DIY composting

[genetib97]

Proper composting needs a ratio of 1:1:3
1 starter soil
1 green clippings (grass, green leaves etc)
3 brown (newspaper, cardboard, droed leaves etc)

Once the reaction has started, turn once a week, and add things as required.

 

[Speedster]

Proper composting needs a ratio of 1:1:3
1 starter soil
1 green clippings (grass, green leaves etc)
3 brown (newspaper, cardboard, droed leaves etc)

Once the reaction has started, turn once a week, and add things as required.

If you want to get scientific about it. I just mix browns and greens as I have them available. No need to turn off you're cold composting. Hot compost you turn (or even just aerate) when you have time. And you don't need to add soil, activator or anything like that. My current heap is over 60 degrees and I've never added any starter anything.

 

[RiaX]

Will it be worth the effort to do like a 10 liter bin size ?

 

[genetib97]

If you want to get scientific about it. I just mix browns and greens as I have them available. No need to turn off you're cold composting. Hot compost you turn (or even just aerate) when you have time. And you don't need to add soil, activator or anything like that. My current heap is over 60 degrees and I've never added any starter anything.

You can lazy it, sure. Ive done that with good results. But u do run the risk of growing mould and stink, and attracting vermin by not attending to your pile. Vermin like idle piles of things.
Turn now and again to deter critters

 

[genetib97]

My ratio is pretty fail safe for beginner piles. Once temp is up its pretty safe to start adding bones and offcuts in the mix without attracting any vermin. Be sure to airate once a week though. Treat bones as greens and balance with browns

 

[Speedster]

I picked up a mulcher yesterday. Was a bit skeptical about these as they don't have the best reputation online but I'm mightily impressed. Gardener took out a couple of smallish bushes/trees yesterday and started feeding them through the machine yesterday evening. I'm very happy with the results so far.

 

[fragtion]

Will it be worth the effort to do like a 10 liter bin size ?

Will fill up too quickly which will be a pain

 

[Speedster]

Will it be worth the effort to do like a 10 liter bin size ?

That depends on your goals. If you just want some compost for your potplants that could work. If you want to deal with waste 10l will fill up very quickly. If you have some space, I'd go with at least this.

https://www.builders.co.za/Outdoor-...ompost-Converter-DOCC220/p/000000000000458191

 

[RiaX]

Anyone tired these electric composters ? Though I can't justify paying the price

 

[ShloshMalosh]

That depends on your goals. If you just want some compost for your potplants that could work. If you want to deal with waste 10l will fill up very quickly. If you have some space, I'd go with at least this.

https://www.builders.co.za/Outdoor-...ompost-Converter-DOCC220/p/000000000000458191

check with ur municipality if they give these away for free

COCT gave me one similar to this, Free Rand

Edit: found some linkies for anyone else interested

Collect your compost bin: The City supplies home-composting containers

The City of Cape Town's latest food waste initiative provides free home-composting containers to residents to encourage them to start composting at home.

www.capetownetc.com

City of Cape Town Link

Sharing a City of Cape Town Page...

www.capetown.gov.za