Ric wrote:
Do those packets of "enzymes" for accelerating composting one sees in the
likes of B&Q etc actually do anything? What exactly is in them and where
does it come from? Can anybody give a more rigorous explanation than mere
"enzymes"?


They probably help in an unbalanced heap, but they're not necessary. If
you get the ratio of nitrogen : carbon right (greenstuff : brownstuff),
your compost will go off like a rocket on it's own. I turned mine
(unenzymed) last weekend and found a ball of ash in the middle and smoke
coming out!