On Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:08:51 -0700, Sheldon wrote:
On Aug 1, 1:40�pm, AZ Nomad wrote:
On Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:44:51 -0500, Omelet wrote:
In article ,
Ed ex@directory wrote:
I took on an allotment plot earlier this year, and quickly cleared
half of it to grow at least some crops this season whilst I
intensively double-dig and clear the other half. All of that is
going well.
So, now I want to make a compost bin. Eventually �I plan to have 3.
I have scavenged 4 pallets each of which is 3ft x 4ft which I intend
to use to build a box that is 3ft square and 4 ft high. One of the
sides will be loosely (but securely) tied in so that it is removable
for access.
But what to do next? �I have read so much here and on google that I
am utterly confused.
Firstly, should I line the box with something like lino or old
carpet in order to keep the heat in or leave it as it is to allow
for aeration?
Secondly, do I have to stick to a strict regime as to how I build up
the layers? �I was just thinking of simply piling in layers of stuff
as and when I harvested crops throughout the season , maybe throw in
some grass cuttings from home, maybe throw in paper from the
shredding machine, maybe throw in some straw if it available.
Do I have to add accelerators? �Do I have to add lime? Do I have to
turn it? Do I add worms? Do I have to pee on it LOL!!
Making compost seems to have become such a scientific skill that I
am now quite wary of even starting to do so, lest I end up with some
smelly sickly sludge that it no good for anything.
Ed
Just dump it in a pile and keep it damp. Does not matter whether you
layer it or otherwise.
It's really not rocket science. g
I personally use construction grade giant trash bags. Fill them and
leave them open at the top. �I let them sit for a year or so. Makes
great compost.
I use leaves and leave it in the rain gutters for a couple of years.
:-) �Also makes great compost.
Composting is a verb... you compost to make humus.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humus
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Look up "compost" in your merriam-webster and you will see...
Main Entry: com·post
Function: noun
1 : a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used
for fertilizing and conditioning land
2 : mixture, compound
.... as the first definition. Second definition is the verb form.