"gromit" wrote in message
...
Having caught up with this group after a couple of weeks absence I
notice there has been much discussion on composting.

I don't have a large garden area, but being in Perth, the soil is
quite sandy and needs to be built up to be of any use. I have planted
roses in a small plot in the back yard, and want to build up the
unused areas of this plot as well as other areas in the garden.

I inherited a small compost bin which I've not done anything with, as
I've not been too sure how to manage it. It is made from plastic,
cylindrical in shape measuring 800mm high by ~500mm in diameter at the
top. I pulled it up to see what was inside and there was mainly sand
inside with small bits and pieces inside (old bits of palm bark which
has not really broken down. I am going to start it from scratch and
would like some pointers as to what I should use.

I am a novice at this gardening thing and want to learn. Thanks in
advance )

--
Phil
To reply delete "NOTHANKS"

I've used a closable compost bin with a lid before and found that the
compost didn't get enough air and went "rotten", ie started to stink.
Got much better results from just starting a heap in a shady corner.
If you mix some cardboard in it will encourage worms. You can also
buy compost starter which works well by introducing the necessary
bacteria.
Also consider covering your garden beds with mulch. Use a soil
wetting agent for your pots and sandy soil!

barb