Compost bin siting
I’m planning to get a compost bin in a bid to utilise the forthcoming leaf fall and general pruning.
Ideally I would go for a sizeable wooden crate type design, but space constraints mean I will most likely have to opt for an upright plastic bin type.
ihave a site in mind which sits in dappled shade, hidden from the majority of the garden focal points.
My question relates to what to place it on. Initial research suggests a soil base is the best medium to place the bin on. My chosen site however is a pebble base. Would this create an issue and prevent successful composting?
Ideally I would go for a sizeable wooden crate type design, but space constraints mean I will most likely have to opt for an upright plastic bin type.
ihave a site in mind which sits in dappled shade, hidden from the majority of the garden focal points.
My question relates to what to place it on. Initial research suggests a soil base is the best medium to place the bin on. My chosen site however is a pebble base. Would this create an issue and prevent successful composting?
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I think any compost bin, even one not " perfectly " sited, is better than no compost bin.
If that's the only place you can have one, then put it there.
A sunny spot is best if you can, it gets hotter and works quicker.
The pebbles are loose. I take the point about removing them to prevent digging the pebbles out when collecting the compost.
Interesting regarding fallen leaves. Maybe best to make leaf mould with the bulk of the fallen leaves and reserving a smaller amount for the bin?
I like the idea of putting down chicken wire. The last thing I want is rats nesting in the bin.
Good advice regarding having two bins on the go. I have room to accommodate two.
Thanks, a bit more knowledgeable now. Stand by for more quizzing once the bin becomes reality!
I have 2 compost bins each with (a double layer of) chicken wire in a corner of the shingle drive way. Makes great compost but the combination of shingle and wire makes it a bit difficult digging out the last couple of inches of compost from the bottom of the bin. I am going to move them to join my other 2 bins which are in a separate utility area.
This area is slabbed with large concrete slabs, cemented into place on top of about 6-8" of hardcore. I was concerned about the lack of soil contact. Needn't have worried! These 2 bins are absolutely teeming with worms and other composting friends. Worms lay eggs in soil and, as long as there's a bit of soil going in with plant roots etc, the eggs hatch and you get worms. A friend has one of those large tumbler bins which is several feet off the ground - and he also finds lots of worms in there.
The main advantages of compost bins on properly laid paving are -
As Hosta said, any bin is better than no bin. However, I would now always put my bins on a hard base.
I'm a composting addict. It's almost a magical process to turn waste into black gold and once you've bought or made the bins it's all for free. What's not to love?