"Ben Blackmore" wrote in message
I just went outside to check on the yellow raspberry leaves, and thought
I'd
take the opportunity to turn my compost pile, as I haven't done it for a
month.
My god does it smell! Its like following someone in to the loo, after
they've drunk 10 pints best bitter then had a vindaloo!
Its coming on quite nicely, not to wet, not to dry, a good mix of grass
clippings, rotten fruit and veg, tea bags, and old ground coffee beans.
Its
obviously working, as its rotting and smelling pretty bad.
But I was wondering if the plastic dustbin is ok to use, should I make any
holes in the bin to allow more air to circulate? It has a hole in the lid,
but that was from the dog chewing it!

If it smells that bad I would think there is something wrong, is it hot in
the middle?

Sounds like anaerobic bacteria working to me so yes you do need more air
holes, especially near the bottom. Or, when you next use it, place a piece
of plastic drainpipe down the middle in which you have cut or drilled holes
so air can circulate within the heap.

--
Regards
Bob
in Runnymede, 17miles west of London, UK