If the 'stuff' you add to your bin is too dry, it won't rot down at all. On the other hand, too wet is also bad - the compost turns into a soggy mess.

A good mix of brown and green waste is required, and dampening it occasionally is good, as is turning the heap if possible, to mix everything together.

I rarely put water in the compost bin. Only if it is very dry.

I sometimes leave the lid off by mistake and then it rains. these damper bins seem to compost down better. the citters/bacteria feeding in the compost bins needs moisture to survive.

Yes, I agree, Sbg. Sorry, Bulbaholic! But you did mention the word 'dry'. Dry compost will never rot, will it?

it will but it will take an awful long time as the critters needed to do it are few and far between.

I can't wait tooooo long, Sbg! So I'll stick to adding water.

I add some water if I out shredded paper in mine

Sorry, Spritz, what I was trying to say was that it never gets dry and needs water, even though it is normally covered.

Ah! That makes sense, now! Thanks, B. x

Of course he adds the secret ingredient as well...

Ah yes - I know someone else who does that, too - not far from me as I'm typing! LOL.

what happend to the male of the house visiting the compust every morning ? it seems that a lot of you agree with me that it is a mith,

Not this morning - far too cold.

Mr MB visits the compost most days to add his donate... Mine comes via a small bucket

Not every morning, Cliffo - only when he's working out there.