Compost Discussion Thread (Merged Threads)

twobob_2

http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/factsheets/gg24.php

This is probably one of the most straight forward and its modular (ie you can increase / decrease composter size as you add or use it).

arkonite_babe

A while ago, I threw some potatoes into my composter as they had gone soft. Now it appears I have got potatoes growing in the composter! :rotfl:

My question is, do I leave the plants as is or do I dig them out? If I leave them in there, will I have potatoes in a few months that can be eaten?

I know it's my fault they are growing away in there cos I was too lazy to cut them up before I threw them in

tru

I would leave them there, they'll probably die if you dig them out. Yes, you should get potatoes. And, cutting them up wouldn't have a difference, we have plants growing from the peel

in_my_wellies

They will be OK to eat if you get some. The reason for buying 'seed' potatoes rather than just planting any old potatoes from the supermarket is that they might get potato blight and so are less reliable. You will probably be OK with just a few.

arkonite_babe

So we should have potatoes ready to eat by christmas then

Kantankrus_Mare

I put all my sweet pepper left overs in the composter as well...........are these likely to grow

conradmum

A compost bin is just a box. You can make them more or less complicated if you like but I put a large one together out of an old shed myself (5' 2" weedy female speaking here). You just need access to the compost to turn it. You could make an entirely enclosed one but it would have to be light enough to lift off the compost, so you could turn the compost by refilling the bin. Hope I'm making myself clear. Otherwise you need to leave one side open or removeable in some way.
Don't stress too much about the design. Generally speaking, the larger the better as the compost breaks down more quickly, but you have to have enough material to fill it. You'll find your material breaks down to about a tenth of its original volume, if that.

caffeinehit

If you're ever in mid-Wales (or fancy a trip there), a trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology (https://www.cat.org.uk) is worthwhile. They're massively into their composting and have an ongoing experiment to build the most effective bin - really interesting. From memory, one of the main things to bear in mind is how to get air and worms to the bottom of the heap while keeping out rats - they'll gnaw through wood and plastic, so a thick metal grille is probably the best bit.

They sell various books and factsheets on their website if you're interested.

ailuro2

Or use an old metal dustbin with some 20mm or so diameter holes drilled in the side. You might get one of these from freecycle since there are a few kicking about since everyone seems to have been issued with wheelie bins.

Ciara111

Cheers everyone...
Ive tried freecycle and someone has kindly donated one... but at least now I know how to make my own.