My Compost decomposes very slowly. Why?
The compost process requires material, water and air. If the heap is too dry, the process slows down. Simply add some water. Introduce some air into the composter by turning contents over with a fork. During very cold periods place some polystyrene or old carpet on top of the compost inside the bin to help retain heat.
Will my composter attract vermin and flies?
If you avoid adding cooked food and meat, your composter will not attract rats or foxes. In the summer you may find fruit flies hovering over your composter but they pose no health hazard. If you really don’t want them, simply cover compost heap with a thin layer of soil and they will disappear within hours.
Will my composter smell?
Provided that you do not add large quantities of grass cuttings, a compost heap does not smell. The problem with grass is its high water content and lack of structure. This can cause a slimy heap. To prevent this, tear up an old newspaper and add to the pile when you empty the grass box, but remember you are trying to achieve a good mix of different ingredients.
Can I add weeds to the composter?
Yes you may but many would recommend that you avoid weeds to composter for fear of dispersing weed around garden.
Do I need to add an ‘activator’ to my composter?
If you have included a good all round mix of high nitrogen (grass, plants, vegetable cuttings) and high carbon (dried leaves, hedge clippings) ingredients in your composter, you should not need to add an activator or accelerator. The most important role of most is to add nitrogen to the heap, which stimulates bacterial activity. Animal manure is a good natural activator (but do not add cat or dog faeces), and there are of course proprietary activators/accelerators available from your local garden centre.
Happy gardening.
Owen Chubb
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/success-with-garden-composting-685149.html
