Comments on: Turning The Compost Heap? – Don’t Bother!

By: A Self Sufficient Life » Self Sufficient Questions And Answers Volume 1

A Self Sufficient Life » Self Sufficient Questions And Answers Volume 1 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:13:26 +0000

[...] may well be in regard to my post on turning Compost. Feralchick, how would turning it make a difference? You will still have the large pile. It is not [...]

By: Sootie

Sootie — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:57:54 +0000

We have a double compost bin – home made and we re now done with filling one and moving on to the next one. I tend to turn mine every couple of weeks (because I like the exercise and I like to see how it’s developing).

I saw a lady on the beach collecting loads of seaweed the other week, so asked her what she was using it for (nosey? me?). Anyway, she says she rinses it, chops it up a bit, and puts a good layer on the top of her compost and it develops in beautiful dark fine soil. Obviously I copied her (anything is worth a try, especially if it is free), collected two black bags and did the same. I will let you know the verdict! I also put a little aside and am making a seaweed stew for watering, which is turning a lovely dark colour.

Will hopefully be reporting some good results shortly!

By: Mr.Dirty Boots

Mr.Dirty Boots — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:43:32 +0000

Hi Mark, if it works then that is great. It is amazing how many systems there are.

By: Mark Daymond

Mark Daymond — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:23:34 +0000

I have three compost heaps. When the first one is full then I dig it out into the next one along and then start again. It works for me anyway. Mark Daymond’s last blog post..Spring has Sprung!

By: Mr.Dirty Boots

Mr.Dirty Boots — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:06:47 +0000

Bob, I read a few studies too. It seems the extra aeration benefits are minimal át best. Better to just layer it well with a mix of materials and save the old back.

Cara, glad you found it helpful.

By: Cara

Cara — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:55:40 +0000

Thanks for the post! Very informative. Cara’s last blog post..Product Spotlight: Chopstick art

By: Bob Pickett

Bob Pickett — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:09:32 +0000

I read a study that demonstrated that when you turn the compost there is aeration, but the higher oxygen levels will only last 15-20 minutes. I think if you turn it once a month there “might” be a benefit but who knows.