Compost Links

This page contains a variety of links for further information on compost.

Compost it.org

Henry Doubleday Research Association

Soil Association

http://www.communitycompost.org/ - website of the community composting association.

http://www.troubleatmill.com/wormbin.htm - cheap home-made wormery instructions.

http://www.wormsdirectuk.co.uk/ - sell worms, wormeries and accessories and has some useful advice.

http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk - worm bin manufacturer.

http://www.originalorganics.co.uk/ - manufacturer of worm bins, garden composters and water butts.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/htbg/module7/making_your_own_compost1.shtml - Instructions on how to build a compost bin and "hurl-a-heap" game to find out what goes in it.

http://www.greencone.co.uk/home.asp - website of the Green Cone food digester. The company also sells "Green Johanna" compost bins.

http://www.greenjohanna.se - website of the "Green Johanna", an advanced (and more costly) plastic composter that can accept meat, fish and dairy.

http://www.howtocompost.org/ - American site with lots of useful information, links and a forum.

http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/organicgardening/compost_pf.php - HDRA site with instructions and advice on making compost and compost bins.

http://www.livingsoil.co.uk/ - manufacturers of EM Bokashi fermenting bins and accessories.

http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/index.html - government sponsored home composting site.

http://www.rolypig.com/ - a Devon produced, colourful compost bin that can take kitchen waste and is more fun for kids!

Books:

Composting - An Easy Household Guide, Nicky Scott, Green Books, 2005. ISBN 1903998786.

Worms Eat My Garbage, Mary Applehof, Eco-Logic Books, 2003. ISBN 0942256107.

Treating Fruit Flies in a Composter

Fruit flies eggs are often found in the skins of fruits, so are hard to prevent. Other flies can sometimes lay eggs in a composter or in a kitchen caddy, although this is less common and can be prevented by good housekeeping.

Fruit flies are harmless, although they can be annoying!

Flies can be treated by using an airborne (spray) fly killer. Because the composter is an enclosed space, a quick spray should be quite effective. It is important not to spray too much or use a liquid killer as you can kill the worms and bacteria that do the composting.

There is an organic fly killer available called Flyko Fly and Wasp Killer, made from natural oils that will naturally degrade in the compost bin. It is available from Agralan on 01285 860015 or http://www.agralan.co.uk/index.html. I have not tried this product personally, but it is recommended by at least one compost bin manufacturer.