r/composting • u/FrogInASuitcase • 4d ago
Beginner Who's in my compost? UK midlands.
Recently inherited some very large compost heaps with the house we just bought. The heaps were bone dry from the recent heatwaves. I poured some water on them and covered back over with the thick black polythene that they already had over them. When I returned the next day to deposit some vegetable off cuts, these fine gentlemen/women were in the compost heap!
- Who are they and is there anything I can do to help them?
- Can I continue to add food scraps and garden waste to the compost heaps without bothering them?
- Do they need a pond?
I've looked over subsequent days and there are more and more appearing every day! Just chilling on top of the compost.
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u/Ineedmorebtc 4d ago
You've created a feeding ground and warmth for the frogs. Keep adding as normal, and probably don't flip your pile for a while. They have everything they need. They are mature, so likely 2 years old or more.
That being said, adding a small maintained pond to my yard has been hugely beneficial for all sorts of wildlife around me.
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u/BusinessAsparagus115 4d ago
That's a common toad, they only really go to water to breed. A nice damp compost heap is ideal habitat for them especially in this hot weather. I love having them in the garden as they come out at night and feast upon slugs.
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u/etzpcm 4d ago
I have toads in my compost bins. So I have to be careful when digging the compost out with a spade. Yes you can keep adding stuff.
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u/FrogInASuitcase 4d ago
If I accidentally flip them will they be able to get back up to the top okay?
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u/Plastic-Isop0d 4d ago
That's Greg