I had pretty good success with a large plastic tumbler for two years; I learned to cover it when it rained substantially, or the mix would get too wet and rot. I keep shredded plain brown wrapping paper in a container to add if the mix becomes too wet (neither my prodigious magnolia or umbrella tree leaves break down enough to use in the compost).
However, for the last two summers I wind up with an invasion of light brownish maggots about a half-inch long that completely take over, and render the compost very odorous, disgusting and wet, as well as reducing the whole thing in volume into a small wet mess. I just let it dry out, and put it out for the birds to peck at when it's manageable.
Any hints at preventing these maggots? No idea where they come from. I used to use dried fig leaves, but stopped in case that was the problem.
Thanks for any ideas.
I had pretty good success with a large plastic tumbler for two years; I learned to cover it when it rained substantially, or the mix would get too wet and rot. I keep shredded plain brown wrapping paper in a container to add if the mix becomes too wet (neither my prodigious magnolia or umbrella tree leaves break down enough to use in the compost).
However, for the last two summers I wind up with an invasion of light brownish maggots about a half-inch long that completely take over, and render the compost very odorous, disgusting and wet, as well as reducing the whole thing in volume into a small wet mess. I just let it dry out, and put it out for the birds to peck at when it's manageable.
Any hints at preventing these maggots? No idea where they come from. I used to use dried fig leaves, but stopped in case that was the problem.
Thanks for any ideas.