Starting a Compost Bin (Merged Thread)

BrokeWelshChick

Hi everyone,

Very new to gardening, and I have a question, how do I go about starting a compost bin,and what will I need?

Also planning on growing some potatoes and beans any advice please.

Thanks,

BWC xxx

LJM

my compost bin is a old dustbin with a lid i drilled holes around sides and bottom and it works fine i already had it lying around and the proper compost bins can be so expensive.there is a thread on here for potato growing

LJM

http://www.suttons.co.uk/pd_MH422_Po...tarter_Kit.htm

Kazonline

I see that you live in South Wales - some of our councils have schemes that allow you to get a compost bin at a reduced rate. Why not give them a call?
Kaz x

Lord_Gardener

Worth checking out your local council for cheap compost bins (Blackwall) - most are offering these 'cos of landfill tax! Most garden waste can be put into your compost bin - woody things take longer to break down - cut them into small pieces. If you have lots of grass clippings, shredded non printed cardboard (corrugatted) will help aerate and get your waste matter breaking down quickly!

alanobrien

Take a look here..........


http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/

arkonite_babe

Check the useful links sticky on the green and ethical board. Compost sites are listed under "c", there's also a site called HDRA in the "h" section to give help on compost.

HTH

teapot2

Hi, our council is doing compost bins cheapish so I'm going to get a £6 one - its 72 x 72 x 86 which is not huge but we have a fairly small garden. My question is - is it possible to sit the bin on paving slabs or does it have to be on soil so that 'things' can get into it to compost the material? Or do the 'things' get in anyway? Ideally I would prefer it to be on the paving as I'd like to keep the soil for veg planting.

Advice from experienced composters would be appreciated
Ta Teapot

BrokeWelshChick

Thank you all for your replies. :beer:

LJM is your bin a plastic dustbin? as I have one I could use if it is.

Kazonline will call the council on Monday, if I can't use my bin.

teapot2 you have just asked my next question, my garden is also small and i dont know where will be the best place.

Cant wait to get my bin started. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Kazonline

BrokeWelshChick wrote:

Cant wait to get my bin started. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Lol - that's just what I was like when I got mine... and I'm only in my early 30's.... surely I shouldn't be so excited by such things????
Sorry I don't know the answer to your query as to whether you can use your bin - but at a guess I'd say it's probably similar to a composter if you cut off the bottom.... having the contents in contact with the ground helps it to get broken down apparently (allows the bugs & worms in)
The lid on my composter is a very snug fit too - I'm guessing it's so it stays inplace on the occasions that lots of heat/gas is produced.... but that is purely a guess.
Hope you get a more exact answer soon.
Kaz x

aussielle

BrokeWelshChick wrote:

my garden is also small and i dont know where will be the best place.

Cant wait to get my bin started. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Anywhere will work, but a warm and sunny spot will help it break down quicker.

Took about 14 months for our first one, never seen such beautiful (if there is such a thing )soil in my life!!

The only disappoinment was that there wasn't a great deal when you consider how much stuff actually goes in...perhaps about a third of the bin full