"Erik Vastmasd" wrote in message
...
That would probably work OK since the piles are in the shade and the
plastic tarpaulin would probably stop a lot of evaporation.

The compost pile heaps is in the sunny spot, due to the layout of the
garden... mmm... come to think of it - it may get pretty dry. But I think
what I'll do is to place a tarpulin over it and underneath wet newspaper...

perhaps another problem is that the area gets a fair bit of black ant
activity during summer and I suspect they would be attacking and eating the
worms.

I'll see how I go over the Summer and try your advice.

I'm in Victoria also. During the summer I check both compost bins daily
and add a bucket of water when I think the compost is starting to dry
out too much. When I add vegetable peelings, garden cuttings or lawn
clippings etc. I cover them with three or four sheets of wet newspaper
to help keep the bins moist inside.

I don't immediately add large quantities of new garden cuttings or fresh
lawn clippings to my compost because of the heat generated, I prefer to
store cuttings and clippings on its own for two or three weeks before
adding it to my compost bins/worm farms.

You seem to have the right idea there. I usually put in raw lawn clippings
into my compost bins. And that would probably increase the temp a fair bit.

I've relocated my black compost bins in the shady spot - and will house the
compost worms there in the safety of the shade. The compost piles however,
are exposed to full sun and a West facing brick wall. And there's not much I
can do about it - due to the garden layout.

Lets' see how it goes over the summer period. I'll get back to the forum
again.