Chris Polidoras

Hey everyone,
So I think the compost has come along really well.
There are quite a few worms throughout and it smells nice and sweet!

I've attached some photos.

I think it's ready to use (and I want to get it out into the beds), although, is it better to load the bin up with other material now and try and make use of the critters to supercharge the composting process?

We've just been using kitchen waste to date but I've got heaps of plants from the last harvest that I could use to boost the content in the bin.

Another question I have, is can you leave compost too long? Can the critters then start to eat it down if you don't add more fuel to the bin?

Thanks all. Have a fantastic weekend wherever you are in  the world.

Skandi Rogers wrote:It looks good to me, bugs, fungi all those things help break down the compost for you.

Does the bin have any ventilation? If it doesn't you may have problems with it getting to wet and losing oxygen, it will still break down but you will get some bad smells and those lovely worms will die.

Thanks for your responses everyone. I was buoyed by the worms but concerned about the little bugs - Good to hear that they’re a positive sign as well (as long as they can’t fly, right?).

The bin doesn’t have any ventilation.

I think it is too wet - I was adding water thinking that was the right thing to do initially.

I guess I’ll just keep at it, add some ventilation and monitor the smell and moisture.

How often do people tend to their compost? Is it a daily thing to give it a turn or shouldn’t need to once you get the right balance in there?

Hi Permies crew,

my partner and I are very new to gardening and especially composting, although, we’re getting out there every week and slowly making gains in our backyard garden.

Just a question re. our existing compost bin, and the bugs and funghi that are in there. We’re wondering if this is a good sign or bad sign.

I’ve attached some photos. The photos titled day 1 are taken with the bin having not been tended to for a week or so - it didn’t smell too great.

I added our kitchen waste, a bunch of newspaper, turned the compost and aired it out.

Photos titled day 2 are the next day with it seemingly much healthier.

You will notice the little pests/ mites/ flea looking things in all the photos. Is anyone able to cast some light on what they are, and what it means that they are there?

Thanks in advance.

From a very confused, beginner composter

Great.

Fantastic advice and information - thanks heaps everyone!!

Hi Permies,

My partner and i setup a no dig section in our garden and recently harvested rocket, zucchini’s, cucumbers and spring onions.

Now this season has finished, am I right in assuming we remove the current plants, root and all, and replace with new seasons plants?

Do we need to top up the soil?

Originally we layed compost -> fertiliser -> mulch.

When replanting, do we just move some mulch aside and then replant? Can we reuse the same hole that one of last season’s plants were in or is it best to start fresh elsewhere?

Any tips/ hints or resources would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Chris