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I've received a lot of PMs from folk wanting to know about my battle with the Compost Heap. I've established a breakout!

submitted by paul_neri to Gardening 6 monthsOct 9, 2023 22:39:11 ago (+5/-1)     (Gardening)

It's been a tough couple of days. At times I despaired but then I remembered I ... was a Goat: "Horns of steel; eyes of fire" and I persevered. Got a long way to go. Not the easiest way to manage a compost heap but space is the problem.

I need to reduce the size of the thing relatively quickly because the fire season is here and it's a fire risk. Also if you can't turn it...it isn't working (breaking down). I'm sifting out the fine material and bagging it. If I let it break down fully into soil...the tree roots go for it.

https://i.ibb.co/5vh4jhR/Compost-heap-breakthrough.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/MMZdpQh/bagged-leaf-litter.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/NKy2LK3/hibiscus.jpg


@Crackinjokes "What a pile of s***!".


12 comments block

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[ - ] GrayDragon 3 points 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 01:01:04 ago (+3/-0)

I don't think I would stick a compost pile next to a structure. Also, consider getting cinderblocks and making a contained area. That's what my dad did anyway. Maybe the reason is so if it does light on fire, it behaves like a fire pit.

[ - ] s23erdctfvyg 1 point 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 02:37:46 ago (+1/-0)

I'm going to second this. If our resident shill dies, I would prefer it to be relatively peaceful, in his sleep,
smothered by a "migrant".

Burning alive via compost fire is too harsh, even for Queeri.

[ - ] ItsOk2bArian 1 point 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 01:53:37 ago (+1/-0)

If you need it to cook faster try covering it with a tarp or black plastic sheet to hold in moisture and block UV. Also try adding diluted ammonia, it's a cheap concentrated nitrogen to help breakdown all that carbon. Bloodmeal works better but it's more expensive. Just remember to keep it wet and you shouldn't have to worry about fire. Another good trick is to put a slotted drainage pipe under the middle of the pile with both ends sticking out from the pile. That will allow a lot more oxygen to be pulled into the compost so it stays aerobic and doesn't go anaerobic on you.
Lastly, turn that bitch at least once a month. I try to do mine every two weeks but it's a time consuming workout for sure

[ - ] paul_neri [op] 1 point 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 02:35:11 ago (+1/-0)

Thanks bro. I shoved a few plastic pipes into the thing to try and get some moisture in there via the hose and couldn't see it made much difference - just a wet patch. Anyway...I've just brought the beast to heel - she's back under control. Will post some before and after pics.

[ - ] parrygrin 1 point 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 01:48:53 ago (+1/-0)

Looks like lots of browns. Are you wanting to get things cooking again or just redistribute it asap before you head into a dry season?

[ - ] paul_neri [op] 0 points 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 02:37:08 ago (+0/-0)

Both really. It was too big to work and, yes, I needed to redistribute stuff. Anyway I've just tamed the beast and brought it back to earth.

[ - ] parrygrin 0 points 6 monthsOct 11, 2023 14:15:37 ago (+0/-0)

I would say it looks like it needs more nitrogen. Grass clippings, manure, roadkill... in a pinch, a couple pounds of soaked alfalfa pellets can kick start your shit.

[ - ] paul_neri [op] 0 points 6 monthsOct 11, 2023 18:28:59 ago (+0/-0)

I found that grass clippings is terrible stuff for the compost heap. It mats and is difficult to turn so I put it in compost bins where it breaks down a lot better.

[ - ] xmasskull 1 point 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 00:34:26 ago (+1/-0)

You have some back breaking work ahead of you,Good Luck!

[ - ] paul_neri [op] 1 point 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 02:37:55 ago (+1/-0)

Thanks bro. Just finished and brought her under control and my back/shoulders ache.

[ - ] Anus_Expander 0 points 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 00:34:23 ago (+0/-0)

neck yourself, Queeri

[ - ] paul_neri [op] 0 points 6 monthsOct 10, 2023 02:38:42 ago (+0/-0)

Everything aches, including my neck, but I finished!