Comments on: 18-Day Compost – the Appliance of Science

By: natarlee hickson

natarlee hickson — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:13:42 +0000

If you want PROPER compost you have to have the correct c & n ratio. the correct c/n ratio is 1 part very very fine woodchips/sawdust, 1 part green matter such as lawn clipings (excellent heat source) and 3 parts manure such as horse, cow, although you can use other manure such as sheep you will get the best compost if you use horse or cow poo.
You definately need to measure these items accurately either with a bucket or a wheelbarrow. start off your heap on soil and put each layer as described above, add a light sprinkle with the hose as you finish each layer DONT put too much water on it.after you’ve done the 1st layer put an agi pipe (1 that has slits in the side for air) in the middle of the heap, continue to build all your layers around that pipe, this serves to aerate the heap.

The higher you build the heap the better the compost will heat up and break down.

The white matter you will see after a couple of weeks in the heap IS GOOD MICROBIAL MATTER, so dont be alarmed if you dont have this happening your compost heap is not breaking down, a good compost heap which has been built (measured) to the above requirements will break down in around 8 to 9 weeks if it is turned each week, and not allowed to get to wet. You should also see lots of worms within the 2nd week, this means also that the compost is breaking down. When there is no sign of any solid content such as poo or fine wood chips/sawdust your compost is ready. You must not be able to see or distinguish any part of the original materials you put in your heap. Good Composting and BE PATIENT

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:34:45 +0000

This compost batch is wet (if anything, it could be too wet but hopefully not). I’ve turned it frequently but it does compact a little between turnings. I’m more inclined to think it’s a function of overheating…

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:16:30 +0000

Ive noticed the white powder appears if my compost is too dry and compacted. In Australia at least I’ve tried to keep my compost heap moist by giving it a good soak and turning it over every few days. If it looks like its drying out - I give it a good soak with the hose. Lack of moisture is probably one of the chief reasons (I’d guess) why most compost heaps fail. The bugs and organisms need moisture to survive and do their work. When my chickens run to my compost bins and scratch around the base - I know the system is working.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:35:44 +0000

I’m halfway through the 18-day process–using green matter instead of manure for nitrogen. All is going well except that I see a fair amount of the white powder. Does anyone know exactly what that is? I’ve heard crystalized nitrogen, ash, and mycellium. Would also like to know what conditions are causing it–too wet? too much nitrogen?
too compacted?

By: philbobaggins

philbobaggins — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:27:52 +0000

Hmmmmm. I feel from experience that composting is one of those things that we master with time, and I can`t say I`ve mastered it yet. The information I would most appreciate from the people in the know is: MISTAKES THAT THEY HAVE MADE. Because there are lots of little errors we can make. The basic, how to`s are simple to understand, and this information is easy to come bye, but its the details that I struggle with. I can make decent compost, but I feel its not the stuff of teas. Let me know how you`ve ucked up.
Gracias,