Kitchen Garden Forum

Forgive me putting this query on this site, but it seems to be the most read and I wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Healthy and Happy New Year. I've enjoyed reading everyone
Question: Is a compost accelerator (Garotta?) worth using on a biggish heap, (6x6x4d) or is there another additive that works better? Many thanks.

I go along with alan refail.

JohnN, I use both:
- Garotta in the five compost bins at home and I certainly think it does help in the composting process
- the 'golden liquid' on the allotment, simply because that's the easiest way to get rid of it (not having a toilet on site) AND to help with the composting

Dear Monika, i bet you dread it when the compost bin is nearly full, as it must be a nightmare trying to scramble up, to get on top of the heap.

Used to use Garotta but perhaps we are just fortunate in the current siting of our 7 heaps, on both plot and in garden, as they rot down quite well without it.

Agree with Alan though. I apply urine now and again usually at start of new season once the weather has got past the cold potential frost stage.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that female urine is more effective than male, although both work, guess its just more difficult to apply direct from source

oldherbaceous wrote:Dear Monika, i bet you dread it when the compost bin is nearly full, as it must be a nightmare trying to scramble up, to get on top of the heap.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/lifemarque-shewee-p99638

OH, what are you implying? We have a clearly marked, venerable bucket in the shed for such purposes!

Dear Monika, please forgive me but, you know what's it like when you get a picture of something in your mind.

WestHamRon, those things look totally useless, they don't look like they would hold any amount at all...

...And it's very important to have a latch on the inside of the shed door...

Actually, we don't have a latch but just keep the door ajar (being a very small site in the middle of fields, we are mostly the only people there!), but I did have a near mishap (exposure?) one day when the wind caught the door and flung it wide open when there WAS somebody nearby. Luckily, they were deeply engrossed in their gardening - phew!

The She-Wee sounds attractive, WestHamRom!

And going back to JohnN, sorry John we sort of went off-piste there

I don't use Garotta or similar I find adding nitrogen rich layers as you build up the heap such as grass cuttings or fresh chicken manure if you can get it very good at accelerating decomposition.

MW

Oh yes, sorry John...

It was funny though OH Climbing on top of the compost heap will make me chuckle for some time to come.

MW

Love the pun MW Enjoyed the piss taking and thanks for the advice everyone, best laugh I've had for weeks.