THE INTERNET IS A LIMITLESS source of contradictory information on how one should compost. I understand the basics; you put organic matter together with a decent proportion of carbon and nitrogen sources, then you leave it alone. But should I bother to shove a fork in it twice a week? Do I need a second to establish a cycle? What should my position on eggshells and scraps of meat be? Is it hot or cold enough? How do you promote organic breakdown and stop maggots or pests getting in? Should I have added chicken shit? Does one layer a compost heap like a good lasagna1 or rotate the pile, or leave it be entirely? If I keep googling “nitrogen ratio” am I going to get a knock on the door from the Australian security organisation?
I just want to have the manufacturer’s official workshop manual with the engineering diagrams and the parts list and a decent set of tools. I can usually work out faults from there, with good light and enough brute force.
This object is now resident in my backyard, currently full of sodden fallen leaves and gumnuts, awaiting kitchen scraps. It looks a bit ominous, to be honest, like a Dalek figuring out how to get down that step, or maybe the round model of the 2001 A Space Odyssey Monolith. Re-reading my previous post on the CND, perhaps it’s one of SAC’s secret Minuteman silos, waiting for the Button pushing that might come at any minute.
No, wait, I know what the association is. It reminds me of my totem creature, singing his anthem of grouches, the authors of “helpful” advice on the internet, and gradual ameliorative reformists everywhere.
It’s true, Oscar is the iconic late-twentieth century Fabian socialist.
Grouches of the world unite,
Stand up for your grouchly rights
Don’t let the sunshine spoil your rain
Just stand up and complain!
1 I made that one up, but it’s representative of the genre.
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Alex White · 26 October 2011, 10:45 · #
This is probably a good place as any to get credible information: http://www.cbsm.com/articles/activities/composting
(I won’t doubt that you’ve already checked Google Scholar…)
dogpossum · 26 October 2011, 11:31 · #
We’ve recently had an enormous compost bin set up in our shared gardens. With 32 units sharing one bin, it’s already bulging, and I’m certain Ablock will complain. They generally complain about all communal property: rain water harvesting, installing solar power, native plants in the garden. You can’t trust hippies, apparently. They’ll go changing things just when you think things are safe.
Liam · 26 October 2011, 16:38 · #
32 units and one bin! Hell I’d complain too. Wow.
FDB · 26 October 2011, 21:25 · #
It’s worth avoiding onion and potato skins, being as how they’ve evolved to repel underground feeders. Acidic stuff is in large quantity is bad too. These matter much more for a worm farm situation though – bacteria and fungi will work their way through anything at all given time.
My main recommendation is to get a soil pH testing kit, and correct your finished product to slightly alkaline before putting it on or near plants. Usually it will be slightly acidic on its own merits, which is only good if your soil’s so alkaline it needs such help.
Er… so while you’ve got the kit out, test your soil too.
Liam · 8 November 2011, 18:57 · #
Well I just turned it and the smell from the bottom of the tub made me want to throw up. Thanks bacteria!
Mindy · 6 December 2011, 11:30 · #
Don’t put meat scraps in as they attract the wrong sort of pests and cause smells. I think you are supposed to avoid dairy too. Maybe invest in a couple of chooks who will eat the meat and dairy scraps for you, plus give you plenty of chicken poo for the compost.
Liam · 6 December 2011, 11:42 · #
Yeah, I’m not putting meat in. Alas, as much as I’d like the eggs, chickens are out of the question, for space and security of tenancy reasons. Can’t take ‘em with us to a flat if we get Notice To Vacate.
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