Farmer Jon
Sous Chef
I just throw everything out in the garden. The chickens and the cats fight over what they want. Whatever is left gets mixed in the ground.
Ah ha!! You just dropped into the stereotype of everyone who thinks Brits mostly drink tea!!
If you have the muscle, turn that lovely rich dark stuff over to the top. Take a handful and it should feel warm to the touch. Most likely you will find worms in the midst of all that goodness. That is "gold!" Then halfway down into the turnover, place some newspapers, (Nothing with colored ink. It is poisonous to the worms.) and wet them down. The moistness encourages worms. And it is the worms that will keep creating that "dark stuff."
I have moved to a new house (new to me, not a new house). The elderly owner (who died) left behind a compost bin. Which is terrific! I need to start growing vegetables and herbs.
So:
1. Should I empty the current bin? (There is very rich, dark stuff appearing at the bottom of the bin currently but it would have been there for a very long time given the age and infirmity of the previous owner. Is it rich material I should keep and use or awful stuff I should get rid of? Is there any way to tell?
2. Obviously I want to add to this compost bin. I know you shouldn't put cooked stuff in there or tea or egg shells, and that it needs to be aerated. Are there any things that help or hinder the process?
From what I understand , Egg shells are fine, especially for tomatoes. The calcium in the shells reduces the risk of Blossom end rot. In addition to vegetable scraps, egg shells , coffee grounds, grass clippings ...
This is brilliant! So I have a good basis for some wonderful compost!
My plan is (with a very limited garden space and sun here in the UK) to grow plants in pots and large planters. There will be no sun-loving plants but hopefully lots of root vegetables, and maybe I can train some plants upwards on the walls? (Which do get sun).
I hate to burst your bubble, but root veggies need a fair amount of sun.