Compost - Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes your compost heap may not appear to be working. Below are some of the common queries people have about composting. If your questions are not covered, have a look at the resource page.

1. Why are the 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. This is quite normal, but try to have a good mix of things in your bin. Turning the compost so fruit and vegetables are buried will also help.

2. 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.

3. Nothing seems to be happening!
Maybe you've already made compost. If the contents look brown, earthy and crumbly then you have. 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. Don't forget; it will work slower in the winter when it's cold outside.

4. Should I wear gloves when working with my compost heap?
Yes. Compost heaps are full of microbes, which might infect cuts of grazes. Make sure they are covered up and do wear gloves.

5. Do I have to be an expert?
No! You will learn more as you go along. Try and turn your heap every now and then to make sure things are evenly spread throughout the heap. Keep adding a range of materials, both green and brown, and make sure it doesn't get too wet or dry out

6. When is it ready?
It should look brown, crumbly and rich and you won't be able to see what you originally added (except perhaps a few eggshells or bits of twig). You'll usually find the compost at the bottom of the heap. If you take this out and use it on your garden, the next layer will soon turn to compost as you add more things on top of it.

7. 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.

8. 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. Plants already in the garden will also appreciate having some compost in the spring, particularly if the soil isn't very good.

Download pdf fact sheet.