Composting FAQs 

Why are there lots of flies?

Tiny fruit flies are common in compost bins in the summer, especially if you are adding a lot of fruit and vegetable peelings.  Having a good mix of things in your bin (both fast-rotting and slow-rotting material) will help to reduce fruit flies, but will also help the overall progress of your compost. Turning the compost so fruit and vegetables are buried will also help.

My compost bin is slimy and smelly. What should I do?

This means that there are too many wet, green things in your compost. Mix in some of the materials that are slower to compost, like cardboard or scrunched up paper, to get the balance right.

What shouldn’t I put in?

Don’t put cooked food, meat or bread products in your compost, as they can attract rats. Also avoid animal waste.

What should I do if it has dried out?

If your compost looks dry, water it.

Nothing seems to be happening!

If the contents look brown, earthy and crumbly, you’ve already made compost. If there are lots of twigs and leaves that are still recognisable, then you need to add more of the green, fast-acting materials, like grass to get the microbes working. Your compost will also work slower in the winter when it’s cold outside.

Should I wear gloves when working with my compost heap?

Yes. Compost heaps are full of microbes, which might infect cuts or grazes. Make sure cuts are covered up and do wear gloves.

Do I have to be an expert?

No! You will learn more as you go along. Try and turn (mix) your heap every now and then to make sure things are evenly spread throughout. Keep adding a range of materials, both green and brown, and make sure it doesn’t get too wet or dried out.

When can I start composting?

You can start composting at any time of the year but the sooner you do, the sooner you’ll have lovely compost to grow things in.

What should I do with the compost once it’s made?

You can spread it on the earth and lightly mix it in before you start growing vegetables or where you want to plant new flowers or vegetables. Plants already in the garden will also appreciate having some compost in the spring, particularly if the soil is poor.