Post by FlopBut since then I have located the bin on a firm base. This seems to
have sorted it. Also I now only put raw scraps in it.
Putting a compost bin on a solid base to make it rat proof is not ideal.
I agree
Post by FlopDecomposition is speeded significantly by the introduction of worms.
MTAAW. We actually have two 1m square bins next to each other[1] and
when one is full we empty the remaining ready-to-use compost out of the
other bin and then transfer the top of the full bin into the now-empty one.
I've only just done it this week (*) and as always I keep transferring
until I get down as far as the good ready-to-use stuff. Inevitably this
means that I transfer a layer of almost-ready compost that is still full
of worms and which starts the new heap off nicely. I always compress any
large additions to the heap by standing on it, pee on it and add water
when it's very dry, but don't cover it.
The heaps are all purpose built some 12 years ago and are starting to
show their age, so will be dismantled and reconstructed this spring with
any luck.
Most of our compost is from weeding rather than trimmings/peelings or
food waste (although there are plenty of tea-bags and coffee grounds).
Waife is an inveterate weeder and likes pulling them out (*) whereas
when I weed I just hoe (checks spelling carefully to avoid *) them in.
The new compost is used as a soil enricher in flower and veg beds, for
growing potatoes in bins (badgers dig them up if we grow in the ground)
and for top-dressing lawn which has just had it's second cut this year
after springing into life yesterday when we had about 7cms of rain in 8
hours after a long dry spell.
[1] and 2 smaller ones for leaf mould
(*) F'r'Us