Compost Maker-will it be effective after two months of nothing happening?

Question

We started adding kitchen vegetable scraps to the new compost drum, rotating the drum regularly.

The scraps started to all go slimy. We finally found a compost maker and added the organisms in the proportion called for but are wondering if it can be effective at this stage of decomposition.

Answer 1

Decomposition is what you are going for, so Yay!

What you need to do is continue adding elements to you composter so you get a good balance:

The general method of adding material to your compost is 4 parts “brown” matter to 1 part “green” matter.

Brown Matter:

Dead leaves

Shredded paper or newspaper

Brown cardboard

Small twigs

Coffee grounds

Green Matter:

Fruit and vegetable scraps

Tea leaves and bags

Egg shells

Weeds, green leaves, and plants

Grass clippings

Though the general rule is 4:1, brown to green, the real key is balance! Try for a good variety of items, and do not add too much of one thing. This gives a good balance of carbon and nitrogen contributors, which makes for effective composted soil for your garden. I always add a bit of topsoil to a new batch of compost to get it started.

DO NOT ADD pet droppings, meat, fish, chicken, dairy products, cooking oils, or non living items like plastics. Your pile will smell, attract pests, not decompose properly, and make lousy compost that could harm your plants.

How to care for your compost:

You need to make sure that your compost stays moist, but not wet. Think wet sponge instead of dirt soup. If your pile gets too wet, it will smell. If it gets to dry, it will take much, much longer to break down. I usually water mine once a week.

You will also need to keep your compost aerated (meaning, make sure it gets a lot of air). Once or twice a week, rotate your drum. This will provide the oxygen necessary for the composting process.

While your compost is breaking down, the compost will be warm. While it is composting, the temperature should be about 160 degrees farenhieght. Once it cools and you cannot identify any of the original materials, it is ready to use. If you keep the bin moist, break up larger pieces before putting them in the bin, and turn it regularly, you should have completed compost in 4-6 weeks (after you stop adding to it!).

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

decomposition is the whole point of composting.  the rot breaks down the organic material and makes it more yummy for plants.  your scraps can be mixed in with grass clippings, fallen leaves, etc for a richer mixture.  additives really aren't necessary - just a good mix of different vegetable organic stuff.

Answer 3

you are probably paying to much for the compost maker, use blood and bone, chicken or horse manure, and add some lime to stop the materials going acidic.