FAQs
Q. My compost bin stinks! What shall I do?
A. When vegetation decomposes, it's normal for
it to smell a bit but not stink! If this is the case it's likely
that not enough air is getting to your compost heap. Simply get a
fork or stick and aerate it - reducing odours.
Q. The contents look dry, what next?
A. Water the compost until moist or
alternatively leave the composter lid off for a bit when it
rains.
Q. My compost looks slimy, can you help?
A. You are probably adding too much green
waste, you need a balance. You are best to add newspaper, egg boxes
or toilet roll centres and stir with a fork or a stick.
Q. Why does my composter slow down over the Winter
months?
A. The heat loving bacteria in your bin slows
the process. You may wish to purchase a liquid product
- an activator, to speed it up. You could wrap an old
carpet or a duvet around your composter too.
Q. My composter doesn't look like it's breaking down material,
what am I doing wrong?
A You probably aren't getting the right
balance of
ingredients if it doesn't seem warm. You may need to add more
soft sappy nitrogen rich ingredients (Typically these are grass
cuttings and flowers, etc.)
Q. When will my compost be ready to use?
A. When it looks brown and crumbly; it should
also smell quite sweet and earthy. There's no hard and fast
rule, but generally this will take about a year for an average size
container.
Q. What can I use my compost for?
A. It's great to use as a soil conditioner,
potting mix, mulch or as a top dressing.
Q. Why has my bin attracted flies?
A. The composter needs a certain amount of
micro-organisms (most are too small to the eye) and worms for it to
work. If there are flies above the composter, these are probably
fruit flies and are typically as a result of fruit peelings, etc.
The best thing is to stir the compost and put a layer of scrunched
up newspaper on the top; you should find it will aleviate the
problem!
Q. My compost bin seems to feed slugs, how do I get rid of
them?
A. It's quite normal to find a selection of
wildlife in your compost bin and gardeners know that slugs like wet
weather. Crushed egg shells are a repellent and you can add these
to your compost bin to assist.
Larger slugs are attracted to decaying vegetable matter, so you
need to consider the balance of ingredients. For example add
more crumpled cardboard and toilet roll centres.
The other thing you should be doing more regularly is airing the
compost (fork it over), your compost bin works on heat
generated, if you are still finding slugs are problematic wrap old
carpet around the base of your bin to assist. Be reassured
that when your compost is ready there should be no slugs left
and you can use as intended.
Will my compost bin attract rats?
A. Rats may be attracted to your garden
for a variety of reasons, for example eating left over bird seeds,
or by pet food, rats seeking shelter in out buildings or living by
the water.
If you're still worried about the threat and want to prevent
them; be an active composter! Rats don't like to be disturbed and
if you visit it regularly they will never be tempted to either! Add
a
balance of fast/slow rotters and ensure your compost is moist,
by adding water if need be, rats seek dry not wet conditions.
Finally when siting your compost bin wrap some wire mesh such as
chicken wire (double folded) around the base this will allow worms
to get in, whilst preventing rats.
Contact
t. 01446 700111 or e. visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk