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Compost

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  • 30-07-2006 10:50pm
    #1
    cork1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 443 ✭✭


    Hope somebody can help me. I have recently started composting. The bin is about half full but every time I lift the lid a swarm of reddish fly things take off - or try to. It is disgusting and I feel like giving up already. Please help!


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    #2
    deckie27
    Registered Users Posts: 1,901 ✭✭✭deckie27


    Are you putting cooked food into it?
    Only uncooked food No meat
    Grass, shredded paper is good also


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    #3
    smashey
    Registered Users Posts: 21,676 ✭✭✭✭smashey


    Look at the make up of the compost as it is now. If it appears too dry, add a little bit of water. If it appears too wet, add a small amount of sawdust. Also, make sure you mix it regularly. There should also be a lot of worms in it. Check what you put into it as cooked food/meat will attract all sorts of vermin.


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    #4
    pjq
    Registered Users Posts: 377 ✭✭pjq


    to get rid of the flies cover with a layer of grass cuttings , maybe put a bucket of grass aside for a cover in between mows . If its not unsightly , leaving the lid off works during the cooler months .
    In my 3 year experience this is mainly an August problem , so if it is not an ecological article of faith for you ...... try FLY SPRAY .
    We have two cats who clear up any meat leftovers and keep vermin at bay , so we compost cooked items also.

    pjq


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    #5
    Reyman
    Registered Users Posts: 1,297 ✭✭✭Reyman


    Sound like fruit flies. They'll be gone next month - relax!


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    #6
    starman100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 345 ✭✭starman100


    Yeah, the grass cuttings piled on top should do the trick ok.

    I wouldn't worry too much about whether or not you get the classic 'crumbly' compost - the pile should settle under its own weight over time. Stick a fork into it once a week and aerate.

    After a few months (6 or more) the stuff at the bottom can be removed and forked into some top soil (even if it's not all perfectly decomposed) - might stink a bit but acts like rocket fuel on any plants planted in it :D .


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