Your composting questions, with Charles Dowding

[@julieyoung4279]

At last! After gardening for 40 years and listening to GQT, I now understand compost, seed mix and mulch after your fantastic explanation. You are a gift to the gardening world. Thank you, thank you thank you! 🙏

[@eliandkate]

Awwwwwwwww I’m so glad! There are so many gardening terms that the established gardening community just assume we all know and they make sense, but you have to learn them somewhere! I did a whole video about it a few years ago to explain that language it’s important to create community but it can exclude folk as well if we’re not careful

[@carmelbell34]

Two of my favourite gardeners/youtubers in one video! Lovely & positive interview ❤

[@eliandkate]

Wow, thank you!

[@stevekirby4874]

@@carmelbell34 Same for me 🌱😎

[@eliandkate]

Shucks 😍

[@weredavid_n_babs5855]

Great Vid ... especially w Charles being there to add his input. As to the "having to chop everything by hand" issue ... I've tried a few different powered shredders over the years, and the one that seems to really work & can handle almost everything & anything my reasonably sized urban garden creates, is the Bosch AXT 25 TC ... not the cheapest but "it just does the job I need it to do"

[@timflatus]

Two of my biggest gardening inspirations! That was mulch edifying!

[@eliandkate]

Mulch edifying, huh? I guess you could say it really "grows" on you!

[@timflatus]

@@eliandkate there'll be a joke about building soil round about now 🙃

[@annmcdonald3275]

Such wonderful advice from both yourself and Charles. So good I've watched it twice. Happy composting.

[@eliandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it Ann 😍

[@gailcollins5866]

That was one of the best compost how to videos I have seen. Simple achievable without too much ‘recipe’. I have a hot compost box never get enough to fill it to the top often and it rarely gets very hot for long (live in Northumberland) but still get non smelly lovely compost from it about twice a year. Excellent interview with Charles too - bonus! Thanks for your efforts to share as always

[@eliandkate]

Awww thank you Gail It’s the thing I think scares folks, when you get heavy on the science/recipe. I’m all for try stuff and learn from experiences 😍

[@leehoeppner1199]

Great video. I also have a 200l hot bin and yes it breaks down all waste very quick but like yours is a little wet. What I do is move the wet compost to my dalek and let the worms finish it off for a month or so. Comes out perfect.

[@eliandkate]

that is the perfect scenario... Kate won't let me get a dalek... apparently I take up too much room as it is 😂

[@stutube3546]

Fantastic, Eli & Kate. Getting a sit down with the bold, Charlie. That's brilliant!! Well done.

[@eliandkate]

Was fab to get to chat. Off camera too 😉

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Really enjoyed this video Eli. Great advice from Charles and yourself on composting. It always sounded so complicated to me, and composting scared me. However, I’ve just taken the cover of my first batch of compost and I’m astounded. It actually looks like compost! Fit for purpose and everything. 😂 So good to see the different uses for composts at different stages too and to not keep it going too long as that’s unnecessary. Thank you for a great video

[@eliandkate]

Glad it was helpful Clare! Let the compost fun commence!

[@Veggiesrule1908]

Brilliant and informative video you really have a super knack of getting the info over 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I was struggling to get seeds to germinate in the new peat free compost until I started to mix my sieved home made compost in with the peat free. It obviously introduced all the beneficial microbes that the seedings need because whoosh they put on super growth 👍🏻

[@eliandkate]

there's always a lot of misinformation out there about compost and seed starting and how much it does or doesn't matter. I would argue (and someone will argue against me cause that's the fun of the internet :D. ). that it's nothing to do with the compost, per se, after all the seeds don't need it to germinate, they need moisture, the right temperature and oxygen, so I would argue it's more about learning how to work with the compost you are using to ensure consistent moisture. But I do think when you switch around between different types or even brands, they don't always work quite the same as your previous stuff, so it does take a bit of fiddling :D but hey... that's the fun right??

[@matthubbard8541]

Brilliant post as ever Eli, great advice from both you and Charles, many thanks 😊👍

[@eliandkate]

Thanks Matt Hope it helps with your own composting fun

[@matthubbard8541]

@@eliandkate I’m sure it will Eli 😊

[@user-xb7sj2uk4u]

I got 2 daleks (1 large, the other about medium sized ) and 1 square bin. The scare bin is the first bin I put mostly everything in, the medium one is for the turning the 1 bin into, and the big one is for the hopefully finished compost after sieving the 2nd. Everything that's not done composting goes back into the 1st or 2nd bin. Pain in the backside tho to get stuff out of the little doors and coping with the intermittent compost avalanches spilling out unexpectedly. Didn't do much with the bins this year because we got a new neighbour with a really big excitable dog , which keeps jumping at and leaning over the fence where the 2 small bins are situated. So that job of turning the compost went out of the window this year. Maybe next year 🤞

[@eliandkate]

the hot bins are the same in terms of trying to get compost out. Maybe not as difficult, but you have to be fast before the stuff above it falls down into your nice finished stuff.

[@cherylhowker1792]

1:08 Before I get eating, I invested in a hotbin 2 weeks ago and have filled it to the dust full point. Really hoping it helps turn my slow compost pile around and helps me physically with my back not having to turn the pile as it puts me in bed for 3 days up to a week each time I turn it- a pallet that is halfed back to front- works well but does me in

[@eliandkate]

Sometimes you just gotta find ways of doing things that suit you

[@storymotionproduction]

Fantastic video and thank you for the peek inside, it is good to know what everyone else's is looking like 😉 yours does look drier than what I'm working with in my hotbin mini so I think i need to add more card and paper. Im chopping everything up as small as i can but its tough work when you have loads to do. I keep a couple of sacks of woody clippings and leaves next to the bin to add in with my greens to help with air circulation and thats working well. I want to sieve mine so it looks better on the beds because once the rain goes through, i end up with twigs all over the surface 🤦🏻‍♀️ Superb video, I really enjoyed it, thank you for the time you spent creating it 🙏

[@eliandkate]

you know what, it's nice to hear someone else has the struggle with chopping it all up :D

[@toni1814]

My two favourite gardeners in one video! I learnt more about composting in this than I have in any other I've watched and I've seen other good ones before. I watch you because like me you are in Scotland and I want to learn more about gardening in this climate. You mentioned Kate made you the large sieve, gonna ask my husband to make one for me as that type of thing is his strength in our little unit of two.

[@eliandkate]

Glad to have you with us Toni Yeah get him out making you a sieve… although it’s a bit nippy this am.

[@GardenerScott]

Great video that shows how composting actually works in a home garden. Your point about using compost for different purposes, particularly mulch, is a key takeaway for gardeners. Wonderful to see your interaction with Charles. :)

[@eliandkate]

I think the “mulch” compost is something we all get “wrong” when we’re new 😁

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

Great video and great advice from you and charles , yet again i learned a valuable lesson and need to get a good cover for my compost Eli , thanks again xx

[@eliandkate]

Me too Jim, me too 🤣🤣🤣

[@Oktopia]

Ah, we get two for one today! I love it! I have one cold bin, one hot bin, and a two-bucket bokashi system inside my house. I have spent three seasons working on it in the Norwegian Zone 4 climate. I'm ever expanding and thinking about how to get more compost. Thankfully I have an equestrian center down the road and neighbours with fruittrees that shed into the road. I use lawn clippings, leaves, and even cardboard too. On top of that, I source nettles, comfrey, and other weeds and even collect urine to water the compost with. Just don't make my mistake of forgetting about nettle seeds :)

[@eliandkate]

now you sounds like you've got your set up "down"👏

[@Oktopia]

@@eliandkate Looking forward to keeping my composting going and reaping the rewards! :D

[@gardenaddict]

Great interview and loads of information Eli 😁 well doneKate too 😊 excellent camera work 💚🤗

[@eliandkate]

very steady hand 😀

[@chicosgarden]

Excellent video Eli & Charles, it gave me a lot to think about for purchasing my first compost bin. I loved seeing you beam interviewing Charles.

[@eliandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it Looking forward to hearing about your compost bin choices then, and to see your adventures - a whole new adventure in the garden for you :D

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

I have two large pallet bins and wish I had room for five more. With horse goats and chickens plus yard waste and coffee ground collecting I can fill them easily. Plus you know you can never have enough compost!

[@eliandkate]

😁 always want more

[@sandrasparkes4501]

Great information thank you

[@eliandkate]

You’re welcome Sandra 😁

[@sandrawoodall6545]

That was very interesting Ellie. I do watch Charles quite a lot he’s brilliant. But there were some things I didn’t know until herding your questions so thank you for that.😊

[@eliandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it Sandra

[@pennyhewitt8801]

Great video thanks. Never thought about using my compost in bought compost. Will give it a go next season. Have always used it as a mulch as aways been too wet. However learnt a lot more these pass few months and adding more dry stuff. Every day a learning day 😊

[@eliandkate]

Absolutely, I’m always learning too Penny

[@davidsumsion6715]

G'day Eli, Great video. Have been following Charles for quite a while. Said to him last year he should do a collaboration with you. Probably had others say it. I also have a small garden. 6, 3m long by 800mm square raised beds. I have 4 worm farms which constantly feed my beds with castings and tea, and I compost in delak's. I buy in my seed raising mix and high quality compost from a local manufacturer. We can keep the worm farms going mainly with kitchen scrapes. The garden has been producing a huge amount of food since I switched to Charles' methods. Just starting my second growing season with the Glasshouse I installed July 23. The wicking mat tip you gave has helped me a lot with my seedlings. It's spring in Adelaide. Such an exciting and busy time.

[@eliandkate]

That’s a good show on the amount you produce David, well impressive!!!!!!

[@PippaRose1]

This is a coincidence- I watched your video Eli on compost yesterday, and Charles' video about he does it this morning. Now I have the pleasure of watching you both together. Brilliant! I need to get better at composting 😆

[@eliandkate]

oh look at that.... it's like the algorithm knows you👏👏👏👏👏

[@annthomson-ewers2835]

Great video

[@eliandkate]

Are you off to check on that pile now Anne?

[@lorainemcguire5795]

Great video Eli it was lovely hearing from charles dowding who's great I ❤ making compost I get my husband to turn it but it certainly does shink but what you get is good 👍

[@eliandkate]

I get Kate to turn mine occasionally too🤣

[@cew9837]

My hot bin recently has gotvreally wet.. not adding enough brown I think.. gpt bark chips to add. I've found shredded paper just goes slimy and seems to increase the humidity/moisture in there... it seems to be getting worse. Might try some dry leaves ..if it ever stops raining!

[@eliandkate]

I switched from paper to card and it made a difference. I had the same issue with the paper

[@DianeUnderwood-k9l]

Love this video between you both it was brilliant xx

[@eliandkate]

Brilliant? We might have to put that on our resumes! 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@cpoco]

He seems like such a lovely man and a true wealth of knowledge. I find myself tut tutting the local TV gardening shows tips when they start saying you need to dig your new fertilisers in etc. I recently made a new garden bed in my front yard (primarily so I can grow a wall of sunflowers :D ) and after putting down my cardboard (used pizza boxes) I put down a layer of home made compost then I had two bags of store bought cow manure and two bags of store bought compost... just to fill it out. Make what you can and source what you can't (I'm lucky there's a place not too far from me that is happy for me to come and collect horse manure whenever I want... it is the true fuel of my compost :D )

[@eliandkate]

I'm kind of the other side of that one. I dig - I've tried no dig in the fence bed for nearly 12 years based on the claims that it would improve the soil, but it's not made any difference to the soil, so I do dig. But there are other situations where I don't need to dig, like the raised beds, so I've stopped turning those. I tend to avoid any methodologies and anyone saying you have to do this or not do that, it's all about what's right for the situation.

[@cpoco]

@@eliandkate that is a good point... I actually asked the man himself a question via youtube about my garden and it being a bit tough and he said it might need a bit of digging to get it started. I guess it depends a lot on what your ground is like where you are putting the garden bed. Your approach is best "do what works for you".

[@eliandkate]

I think that is very true :D

[@dustyflats3832]

@@eliandkateso agree. No dig doesn’t turnout better plants in my garden. The soil needs to be aerated and mix the good stuff in.

[@sallynolan5928]

Great video. I also have a hot bin. I add torn up cardboard, brown paper, coffee grounds, tea bags and contents of my hoover etc. I also add lots of grass clippings when I can and it goes crazy hot - for a while. I find it awkward to empty though so I’m going to place it up on breeze blocks. One other bonus is the liquid that sometimes accumulates in the reservoir - looks like Tomorite.

[@eliandkate]

Yeah I’ve got mine raised up too. It’s really not easy to empty at all is it? And you can never get all the good stuff out before the top tumbles down 🤣🤣🤣

[@deborahwickham3058]

Very informative, thank you x

[@eliandkate]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Garden-of-weeden]

Great info and very interesting! ❤

[@eliandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it. How many big compost bays do you have? ten??

[@Garden-of-weeden]

@@eliandkate 5 lol plus a cold pile and 4 darleks lol 😂😂😂

[@eliandkate]

@Garden-of-weeden ha ha ha I knew it

[@Garden-of-weeden]

@@eliandkate they’re not as good as yours tho!!

[@eliandkate]

@Garden-of-weeden that depends… I don’t think things come across properly on video

[@AnyKeyLady]

Great video Eli and Charles! Thinking of how much compost you are going to get, is like asking how much spinach do i need if i am going to freeze in batches. Probably a bad example but the answer is similar - a lot more than you think you need to put in! Our plans have been somewhat scuppered by the weather this year but i have noticed that our darlek is a lot slower this year. We were planning on setting up a pallet compost bin but haven't got around to it yet as we always find our darlek gets too full during the year for our gardening needs. In the meantime, we have a miniature rose plant that i got for mother's day, quite a few years ago now and is happy outside in a pot. I wanted to up pot it but didn't have anywhere or a compact big pot to use. We did however, have an old chimney in the garden. Over this summer we have been filling up this pot with excess green/ small brown waste and using the rose pot as a "lid". It's been amazing to see how quickly it has been breaking down. The aim is to fill the chimney until it becomes "compost" like and finally pot the rose in the chimney. Another thing i have seen and i do this if i want to make leaf mulch, is to turn a compost bag inside out, so the black side is facing outwards, punch a few holes in the bottom with a metal skewer for drainage and fill it up. Roll the tops off so it closes the bag and you can stack them. Give it a few months and you can shake the bags to mix and put back until it is ready. Lastly we have a 3 crate wormery system to make worm castings. This is what i call the worm spa! lol They get all the good bits from the foods scraps. The red "wriggler" worms we got from the garden and are the normal wrigglers and the tiger red wrigglers. The excess worms that make it to the drain off chamber in the bottom go into the main composter. This create system has not only been great for making expensive worm casting but also a leaning experience for kids. Talking about the biology of worms and what different worms do, i.e red vs earth worms. Again, we have had this wormery for about 7 years now i think and it has been the worse year for breeding and slow on casting turn over. We are lucky though as we still have some bags from previous years to use when planting out cabbages, etc when the tomatoes come out and time to top up the beds with cardboard, mature manure and compost. Going to see what the wormery system is like in the spring when we reset it and make some changes to how i do this. Remember to work with the garden you have and not the one you want! Scale is everything but you can also scale it back and think of other ideas of how you can compost for your space. I often think about when i used to live in flats, with balconies and how you could do this now. Take care guys! x

[@eliandkate]

Oh the spinach is a good one! 👏👏

[@pennyhewitt8801]

Hi interesting your comments about your wormeries. I too have 3 in total and found this year very slow at reproducing. Loved your comments 😊

[@samanthahoos9827]

❤Great video! Everything I compost gets attacked by my chickens, ducks, pig and goat mixing in feces. Makes for good stuff, but I put it in the garden months before planting to let the worms break it down further.

[@eliandkate]

that's a compost making machine you have going on :D

[@RichardTaylorgardening]

Hi brilliant video I put compost and dirt in the chicken run let them turn it quick way to use as a mulch to over winter beds happy gardening Richardx

[@eliandkate]

Oh Richard, that’s compost gold!!!

[@margaretalice6343]

I’m fortunate that I can have 2 compost pallet bins. I like my pallet bins personally cos I’m trying to use less plastic. I like natural materials

[@eliandkate]

Oh I’m jealous, I love pallet bays!!!!

[@steveboz5641]

Lift those hotbeds and put some holes in the bottom allowing for runoff of liquid. Temperature does not decrease (and its easier to collect compost from 1ft higher)

[@DigIntoGardening]

I'm listening to the rain storm flooding my compost bays and wishing I had that roof :P But it's Western Australia, the rain is short lived... Thanks for a great video!

[@eliandkate]

Yikes…. Can we pretend it’ll suddenly get super hot and dry it out?

[@CMDRSloma]

Fantastic video! When Charles is talking about a plastic round bin for composting, I think he is talking about the very popular "dalek" bin in UK. (Interestingly, it can be seen over the fence gap at your neighbours) Anyway, that's what I use. I love it. I don't have too much to say about, but it is IDEAL for making also worm casting rich compost. Here are some tips. Mine is located on a hard surface and I recommend also getting the base if that's the case, you will be glad to have it. DO NOT buy composting worms, even if your bin is on a hard surface and you have a baseplate. They will find a way in eventually, you'll be amazed how fast. Now, I have the access to coffee grounds worms love. The second ingredient that makes a massive difference is cardboard. If you really want to make it fast you could buy yourself a paper shredder i.e. 8 page minimum preferably with self-sharpening blades. This will speed up the process. Add everything else, leaves, kitchen scraps, etc. And wait... Cardboard is a brilliant material worms love and use to multiply fast. You'll know when it might be ready as worms tend to push out castings through the door gaps, these are quite dry. And then open the door at the bottom. You will see hundreds and hundreds of worms suddenly trying to hide inside. That's when I know I have a batch of fresh compost ready. Every three months maybe, I get the same amount as your Ikea bin (use them myself too). I hope this helps. I was thinking about buying a hot composting bin for my garden, but I think when you can enrich your compost with worm castings it might be even better.

[@eliandkate]

Great tips 😁😁😁😍

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Compost is the most important! Maybe that's coz I'm a geologist

[@eliandkate]

rock hounds, they're everywhere :D

[@paulinemorris5186]

really good video. what compost do you use for seed sowing?

[@eliandkate]

Hey Pauine, I actually never recommend a brand of compost form the shops. Mostly because you can't guarantee what I've experienced will be the same for you. Look at the fiasco last year with people recommending a particular brand on youtube that turned out to be pretty awful. Even if I have a brand I'm using this year that I love, come next year, they might have changed their recipe, so you might not the same experience. I'd ay best thing is to buy the cheapest one in your store marked as seed compost or mix and try it. If you don't like it, try the next cheapest and keep going until you found one you like :D

[@lisadavies3788]

Just found your channel! 😃 My 1st year with mini hot bin. I managed to get 1 lot of mulch however I had to sieve quite a bit as I used decorative bark as a bulking agent. Any suggestions for a better bulking agent that breaks down better and cost effective would be greatly appreciated? 🙏

[@eliandkate]

hey Lisa lovely to have you with us. Hmmm so the bulking agent is basically just a brown - but they sell it as wood chips cause it's brown loviness but also a bit bigger to make air pockets. Theoretically you don't need a bulking agent, instead you can just make sure you use LOADS of brown in there and mix it around every so often to make sure there's always air in there. THat's usually my method. But if you wanted to stick with the recommended method - proper bark chip or wood chip mulch from B&Q etc should be partially composted already, and if you get the smallest stuff it will compost down faster. The trick is checking that you are getting the partially composted stuff. Or... if you get a garden shredder you can make your own :D

[@lisadavies3788]

Thank you for reply! I had just bought cheap decorative bark from Lidl but definitely too bulky so I’ll keep a look out for partially decomposed stuff! 👍🏻 I think I’ve finally got use to hotbin but it’s a bit of a faff to keep at right temperature! At most I can keep it in green for 2 days in warmer weather then it drops again and I think that’s because I just don’t have enough waste! It’s definitely worth people doing their research on what best suits their garden/lifestyle before making a purchase.

[@markcrichton3257]

Great interview. Never ever ever have enough compost but the stuff is amazing. I think you almost made his head explode with the 3x3 compost bin question 😂 What is his book title? Would love to get a copy.

[@eliandkate]

It’s called “compost” 😁 amzn.to/4eNXmXM

[@carolinebown8686]

Great informative video .... Id never really thought about 'bought' compost sitting on shelves for months on end .... I guess I thought it was fresh ..... Where did you buy your 'Hot' bins from please ? 😊😊🍁🍁🍂🍂🎃

[@eliandkate]

bought it from the company "hotbincomposting"

[@peterrat100]

Hot bins are very effective but you’ve got over £500’s worth there, Eli. They’re humongously expensive for what is a fancy plastic box.

[@eliandkate]

so what do you use in your urban garden Peter? Are you a tumbler guy or a dalek bin aficionado ?

[@peterrat100]

@@eliandkateI have to confess that I have a Hotbin that my wife bought me yonks ago when they were newly released so large discounts were available. It was still pricey but nowhere near what they are now. It’s a shame that the people who need them, i.e. folk with small gardens, are probably the people who can’t justify the expense.

[@eliandkate]

Yeah everything is so much more expensive now 😭😭😭😭

[@carolinecooley4620]

Hi Eli and Kate , I’m new to the Hotbin world Can I ask if you have an alternative to the Hotbin bulking agent ? I’ve lots of green waste, paper , grass but not enough hard brown to aerate it I also have it full right to the top Am I overfilling ? Thank you

[@eliandkate]

Hmmm so the bulking agent is basically just a brown - but they sell it as wood chips cause it's brown loviness but also a bit bigger to make air pockets. Theoretically you don't need a bulking agent, instead you can just make sure you use LOADS of brown in there and mix it around every so often to make sure there's always air in there. That's usually my method. But if you wanted to stick with the recommended method - proper bark chip or wood chip mulch from B&Q etc should be partially composted already, and if you get the smallest stuff it will compost down faster. The trick is checking that you are getting the partially composted stuff. Or... if you get a garden shredder you can make your own :D As for the bin being full, I know from experience, coz this happens to me, that's cause you don't have your mix right and it's not composting fast enough to keep up with you adding to it. I'm the same because I struggle for brown. So basically, you need to find a way to get more brown in there, or accept you are composting at a lower temp and so it's a bit slower. I know exactly how you feel.

[@carolinecooley4620]

Thank you so much for replying My garden is huge and we eat a lot of vegetables so can put a bucketload in 3 or 4 times a week Might need to slow down on filling it up 😂😂 A great interview with Charles and great info from yourself too , keeping it real Hope both of you have a lovely weekend 😊

[@rmac8737]

Do you compost your food peelings too? Wondering if it's too much moisture to add to your hotbin? I know folk do add their food waste, bit how does that translate in a Hotbin? I'm still considering getting one

[@eliandkate]

We do indeed… that is the bit of advise I’ve been giving everyone over the years, the hotbin needs way more brown than you think, and the rain gets in. So just be aware.

[@rmac8737]

@eliandkate you can get these covers for hiking backpacks that are elasticated might be worth a look to pop over the top? ( my green wheely bin lid leaks( csme back cracked after wind blew it down the street) , I popped one over the top with a brick on it... kept it dry so far

[@tbaucells1]

Could you put in a link for your hot bin composters Eli? Can’t see them under that name on Amazon or similar.

[@eliandkate]

You get them from the company itself hotbincomposting.com/

[@dustyflats3832]

I’m not sure what company makes your hot bin and haven’t searched it out yet, but it would be interesting to know what the components are. The one I’ve recently looked at was $300 US and made of plastic. Many reviews seemed the same with either missing parts or not fitting-could be user error 🤷‍♀️ bit this one has a leachate catch tray that can be poured off and diluted for liquid fertilizer and it has an aerator tube through the middle. Does yours have those features? I’m surprised that Charles didn’t mention placing a tube with holes in it in the middle of your compost if it’s so wet. He uses one in the middle of his. Maybe it was said and I missed it 🤷‍♀️. I plan to build one with refrigerator building panels we reclaimed. I’ve seen on a tiny scale some use coolers. I would imagine if there was a drain on the cooler and a tray to keep compost material elevated it would work the same. Our issue with open pallet bin is it dries out too fast and I think disappears into the ground. Too dry and it takes awhile to breakdown. So how much compost does your bin make? 5 gallon pail? And time about 3 mos?

[@eliandkate]

it's actually the brand name hotbin they are from the hotbin composting company :D

[@dustyflats3832]

@@eliandkate so how much compost does one bin make in 3 months? 5 gallon pail maybe?

[@eliandkate]

@dustyflats3832 if you do everything perfectly and fill it quickly about half the bin will ready. Remembering the volume drops as the compostables breakdown

[@dustyflats3832]

@@eliandkate thank you, I just found the website and it said about a wheelbarrow full. I see why they don’t use a center aerator tube because they rely on woodchips to do that. Maybe a holy 😅 tube would help if it’s too wet. The one here uses a tube and think made in Australia. I see yours has a liquid option also at the bottom.

[@BrittanysBotanicalBling]

I’ve tried composting for years but never really found a set up that I loved. About a month or so ago, I came across a small barrel/tumble on a stand set up that someone had sat to the curb. It was missing the doors but I was able to fix that. I was excited for the find and that I was able to rehome it and keep it out of the dump! I feel like it’s a good size for my family of four. It has two compartments so once one side is filled, you can start on another batch. It has ventilation holes and you can spin it to turn the compost. I’m an indoor plant collector and I’m wondering if I would be able to use it for those? Or would I be bringing critters indoors by doing that? Does this type of set up speed up the process?

[@eliandkate]

I'm so impressed you've fixed it up. Well done! You could use your compost for indoors but I would be tempted to "sterilise" it to get rid of any potential critters. Have you seen my video on microwaving your compost? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ3Of3pveJZ9otE

[@BrittanysBotanicalBling]

@@eliandkate Thanks! I’ll give it a watch! I’ve used the oven before but the microwave sounds like a much easier, faster and energy efficient option!

[@eliandkate]

yeah it defo is. I was really surprised by how easy it was

[@TheEnthusiasticGardener]

Hi Eli, great video. I’ve only been composting for 2 years and my council is trying to get everyone composting so offering 220 and 330 litre round bins extremely cheaply so I’ve bought two 330s for £35. I had already been composting in those enormous square builders sacks so spent last weekend transferring everything I’d collected so far this year into my new bins. Have filled one right to the top (I know it will sink) and the second is half filled. I’ll have a whole load of leaves to add once all my trees start shedding soon. What do you think about adding the compost maker stuff you can buy? I haven’t done that myself but am wondering if that’s a good idea? And also I might start adding the paper from my paper shredder. Also if I see any worms when I’m gardening I add those to my compost too. But I really thought I had to add water and make sure it’s wet so thanks to you I realise I’m not supposed to do that! I won’t from now on. Should mention my new bins do have lids. So thank you for all this great information which I will take on board. Cheers!! Love to you and Kate ❤

[@eliandkate]

Oh wow, how brilliant is that with your LA supporting you in composting!!? So my top tips would be…. Don’t waste money on the compost maker, it’s just the stuff that is already there (microbes), a bit of effort building your compost and you’ll have more than enough. With the wet… you might have to add moisture if it’s very dry… it’s about judging your individual compost bin 😁😁😁😁 You won’t need to add worms, those little red worms (that’s the ones who make compost) will find it, trust me.

[@TheEnthusiasticGardener]

@@eliandkate thanks Eli xx

[@rosepetal45]

Hi Eli .My beehive style compost bins are very productive, and sometimesno I have compost when I dont actually need it. Is it ok to bag it up to free space in the bins and then use when needed? I think Charles made a comment about compost sitting in bags not being good - or did he mean commercial compost?

[@eliandkate]

Oh yes, it absolutely is OK. He was talking about how you have no idea how good quality the stuff you buy is or how long it's been bagged etc. You defo can bag yours up and store it for a bit until you need it.

[@rosepetal45]

@@eliandkate thanks 😊

[@loftyskies123]

hi does a compost bin have to be in a particular place ,like in full sun or shade or semi shade ,im not sure where to put mine .

[@eliandkate]

It doesn’t have to be no, but nearer the door is good coz you are more likely to add your kitchen scraps to it that way (no walking the length of the garden in the rain), and it can help to have it in the sun, helps keep things active, but it’s not essential.

[@susancolley168]

Lifted the cardboard cover off one of my compost bays this spring to find a big rat looking back at me. I don’t know which of us was more frightened. No food in there. I think it must have been keeping warm….

[@eliandkate]

I get it…. In this weather I’d be happy in there out of the cold and the rain too 🤣🤣🤣

[@susancolley168]

@@eliandkate now that would be surreal - lifting the cardboard cover and finding you looking back at me 🤔

[@eliandkate]

@susancolley168 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@karenaWarner144]

Grass cuttings make my Goldilocks (name we call our hot bin) very hot and happy 😊

[@eliandkate]

Mine too But remember grass clippings add a lot of moisture, so add more browns than normal with them 😁

[@terrycadwallader1198]

What is the story behind beans and gnasher names?

[@eliandkate]

Ahhhhh It’s simply to make it easier to communicate. Easier to say, “add the grass clippings to Beano this time. Gnasher is full”

[@disabilitytoabilitygardening]

composting for me was tricky as developed tennis elbow but also starting to smell to high heaven and bloomin mini smidge flies ewwwww

[@eliandkate]

Ewwwww sounds like it’s a bit wet