[anthonynolan]

I find that adding teabags to my compost bin makes it soggy. Anyone else find this? I have decided to leave them out as the compost is stinking and I can't imagine a lot of nutrient value in old tea leaves anyway.
I also put egg shells in there - does this attract rats? Had one last year which I dispatched with poison, but don't want any more dropping by.

[cathd]

Some teabags have a part synthetic cover which doesn't rot down well, so the leaves absorb water and get smelly. If you tear open the teabags as you add them to the compost heap you should have no problems- and they are full of useful nutrients. In my worm bins they're always the first to be attacked by the worms.
Egg shells are fine for a compost heap- useful to dry them first- nuke them in the microwave while cooking something else, or leave at the bottom of the oven after you take out a roast. Then crush and mix through the compost heap and they won't attract anything nastier than compost worms. They're very useful for balancing the pH of a compost heap which helps create better compost, faster.
The main reasons for a smelly compost heap is usually too wet (cover in very rainy weather), not enough air (give it a good mix) or not enough 'browns' compared to 'greens' . A few shredded newspapers mixed through every load of grass clippings can help make lovely compost.

[James Kilkelly]

Some further reading anthonynolan.
How do I keep rats out of compost pile?
and
A tip for making soil acid or making soil more acid... tea leaves.

[anthonynolan]

Thanks very much cathd and James. I thought I knew a bit about compost I will do the things you say.

I emptied my compost bin onto the vegetable patch last week and it was great stuff. A years worth.

Thanks again,

Anthony

[cathd]

Just noticed the blog in your signature- if you do a lot of cooking from scratch you should seriously consider a wormery- it can compost alot of the things that you wouldn't put in a regular compost heap. Including cooked veg- even those remaining from a stock pot!

I've been vermicomposting a fair while, so I even compost meat, eggs and fish but I wouldn't recommend that until you're very experience with worm composting.

[anthonynolan]

Hi,

Think I will give it a go alright. I will take a look at your site and see about ordering some stuff.

Thanks,

Anthony

[cathd]

I don't sell anything I'm afraid- just an enthusiast. Though I am researching the possibility of gettign in bins wholesale and hoping to maybe run some workshops.