Weed membrane under compost bins, yay or nay?

Design Bod

Is this a good idea or is it best to leave the base open to allow more worms etc to get in? We have a lot of nettles and weeds coming in from a nearby meadow and want to keep them out of the compost. I'm sure I heard Monty Don mention putting a piece of cardboard at the bottom of a compost bin for this reason, but cardboard would soon degrade so thought membrane better? Appreciate your advice as planning to tackle pronto!

Fire

I have done both. Membrane where there is loads of bindweed coming up from next door and no membrane in clear areas.

Design Bod

Thanks for your speedy reply. Good to know - and did you still have good compost from the lot with the membrane under?

Fire

I did, but compost is really about micro-composition - that you can't see - microbe levels, NPK values etc. All of mine smell like a woodland floor, gorgeous and crumbly, full of worms and all manner of critters in it, but that doesn't tell me much about the relative uses to the garden. I use it mostly to add structure to poor garden soil. I don't necessarily have faith in it as a sure-fire superfood - "black gold" etc. But then I don't much buy into the whole 'superfood' thing. You can treat it as an exact science. It probably is. But I love messing about with earth and worms. It makes me happy and ultimately feels like a great use of waste products. I don't worry too much about it these days. Others will no doubt have other views. Good luck!

DampGardenMan

I've always used membrane under my compost heaps. They've always worked fine!

Design Bod

Thanks Both. Fire, your compost sounds perfect!

Fire

Well, it's fun! I would happily sleep on it. Lol. Pure magic - the whole process.

Design Bod

My first compost bins and I'm ridiculously excited. Would never have thought it! Bring on the crumbly stuff! #ExCityGirl

Fire

That's because it's ridiculously exciting. 🌱