Is my compost heap ok?

West Midlands, United Kingdom

I made a compost heap from mostly grass. At a later stage I read up on the subject and added greens (vegeatble peelings) and browns (paper/cardboard mulch) to balance it out.

I have uploaded a photo. I am turning it regularly and watering it too. Given the manner in which I created the heap, it appears that I followed the 'cool' process and not the hot one.

It's been a few months and I am now in possession of a reduced heap of mud like subtance, dark, earthy, moist, aroma friendly and thick. When I mix it, the word that comes to mind is 'sludgy'. It does not resemble the grainy texture of ready made compost and I'm concerned that it never will.
This is my first attempt at composting so I would be grateful for some expert advice. Have I erred in some way? Is it just a matter of allowing more time for this process to work? If so, how long? Is there anything I can/should be doing now or in the future to aide the process?

Many thanks in advance for any responses.

11 May, 2009

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Answers

Owdboggy

How to start an argument, ask any three gardeners how to make compost!
You seem to be doing all the right things, except perhaps you could leave it alone and cover it to retain the heat.
Personally all we ever do is chuck the stuff on and when the bin is too full to put anymore on, we turn the lot over in to the next bin. When that is too full to take any more we move it into the next bin where it stays until we use it.
I reckon what you have there is as good as any most people make. It depends on what you want to do with it. Even slimy badly made stuff may be dug into the garden to good effect.

11 May, 2009

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