14. Nov, 2022

Pumpkin Smash and home composting

We hold a  Pumpkin Smash on  our community composting site each year using  three sided pallet bins as they allow two people access at the same time and make it easier to  view  what is happening and the layering of the materials to provide a reasonable green:brown balance Pumpkin Smash 2022

However, it is easy to compost pumpkins using home compost bins and we  include a section on this at  http://www.carryoncomposting.com/441149742

 One of the advantages of composting pumpkins in home composting plastic bins is that it allows the pumpkin to be smashed in situ restricting the mess resulting from the smashing processs.  We add about a 2" layer of pumpkin covered by a brown layer normally autumn leaves or shredded paper and a layer of woodchip to act aa a bulking agent as the pumpkins contain a fair bit of moisture ( they may have been left outside in the rain). This year we have a lot of coffee grounds so are adding this to the woodchip layer. This is followed by another layer of pumpkin.  The photo shows our Green Johanna being used  which has a base plate and has proved to be rat proof over about ten years use. The bin has not be fully filled and  the materials will be aerated when annuall weeds are added next week.  We are also using other domestic bins.