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{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }

Jules July 15, 2010 at 4:20 pm

Hi Phil,

My husband has recently built a compost system using two olive barrels (about the size of 44gal drums) on a timber frame so they can be turned. Do I need to add anything to the material in the drums like lime or some sort of fert. like chook poo? They are quite damp inside and there are little flies when I open the lid. We add all our vegie peelings, raked leaves, garden waste etc. as well as shreaded paper and tea bags and the straw out of the chooks laying nests. Will I have something worth using by spring? Regards, Jules

teacherzpet July 18, 2010 at 5:03 pm

The little flies in our compost bin are going crazy!! Our compost bin (black plastic from our local council) is becoming a putrid stinky mess. We must be doing something wrong. We add mainly vege scraps but also shredded paper, ash from our fireplace, sawdust and sugar cane mulch. Should we just give up? Is a bokashi bin a better composting idea for us?

Phil Dudman July 19, 2010 at 6:45 am

This is common in these type of composting systems, especially when they are high in vegetable scraps. The flies don’t really cause a problem, but the smell is a concern or course. The dry ingredients you have been adding are the solution, but will need to be mixed through if possible, at least through the top layer. As a standard practice, try to add a layer of dry materials everytime yo add kitchen scraps. Adding lime may also help to reduce the tangy smells. I prefer the more traditional open composting systems you make your self… they are easier to aerate. I have a design on how to build one in my new book which comes out on 1st Sept 2010… Down-to-earth garden design ABC Books. Look out for it! all the best, Phil

teacherzpet July 19, 2010 at 4:48 pm

Thanks very much and have a great day!

teacherzpet July 18, 2010 at 5:00 pm

HI Phil
Really enjoyed listening to your pests and diseases talk at the recent Sunshine Coast Garden Expo. Just wondering, is there a natural deterrent for hares, which are nibbling away at my vege patch? We live up on the range on the Sunshine Coast, Qld.

Phil Dudman July 19, 2010 at 6:38 am

Thanks Teacherzpet. Try spraying the foliage with a solution of fish emulsion. Being strict herbivores, the smell of fish may be enough to deter them. Otherwise, you may need to set up some sort of barrier using a frame and chicken wire.

teacherzpet July 19, 2010 at 4:49 pm

Thanks we’ll try the fish emulsion first.

rpflemo August 21, 2010 at 1:34 pm

AGAVEATTERUATA

my plants look like something is sucking out all the green colour, leaves are left limp and white, cant find any bugs. I am in Mullumbimby have grown these plants for years and never had a problem before. What can I do?

rpflemo

kipaoli August 25, 2010 at 10:51 am

My orchid which had several buds along the stem? yesterday have now been eaten by something. I am very disappointed. Have you any suggestions on how to prevent it happening again. It is not snails.
kipaoli

Lorraine W August 27, 2010 at 3:25 pm

Hi Phil,

Are there any plants/shrubs/trees that would not benefit from applications of weak manure (cow) tea? Also how much should I apply and how often? (My gardens include natives, azaleas, vireyas, cycads, palms, heliconias and gingers and a vegie garden.)

Keep up the excellent work!

Lorraine W

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