Essentials of Good Compost Part 3: Ingredients, Activators, Worms, and Turning

Building on bin construction and core essentials (size, heat, air, moisture), this installment covers what goes in, how to accelerate decomposition, and the living workforce that makes it happen.

Essential #5: Ingredients – What to Add (and Avoid)

Yes: Kitchen scraps, old produce, fruit/veg peelings, coffee grounds, vacuum dust, crushed eggshells (slug deterrent!), grass clippings (mixed with coarse weeds to prevent slime), paper (sparingly).
No: Twigs, branches, bones, meat, dairy—slow to rot, attract vermin. Tomato seeds survive composting heat; expect volunteers!

Essential #6: Activation – The "Secret" Accelerator

Commercial activators work, but Bob Flowerdew's "recycled beer/cider/wine" (i.e., male urine) is free, nitrogen-rich, and adds moisture. Collect in a lidded 20L bucket (pongs when half-full—time to add!). Also keeps kitchen scraps in a countertop container for batch additions.

Essential #7: The Living Workforce

Bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, and brandling worms (pink with brown bands) are the engine. They appear naturally or can be imported via half-rotted manure. Their presence confirms a healthy, active heap.

Maintenance and Maturation

• Add water if covered (carpet conserves heat but blocks rain).
• Turn after 1-2 months to introduce air (essential #3).
• Consider a 3-bin system: active, turning, finished.

With patience and these practices, rich, fertile compost awaits. Happy composting!