Either. Soil contact is good for microbes, but worms find a way in if it is on concrete. If you put in weeds with some soil hanging on to the roots, microbes are covered in any case.
I mostly now go for compost lifted on a pallet for air flow these days. Works just as well too.
I keep mine on paving slabs properly laid on several inches of hard core.
I do that mainly because I am pretty phobic about rats, not that keen on mice and do not want any vermin burrowing into the bins. I also find it easier to drag the compost out onto concrete when turning and emptying the bins. Sweeping up & hosing down to keep the area clean and tidy is a doddle.
I've had bins on both soil and concrete and I think concrete is just easier.
People say you don't get worms and other critters in doing their good stuff. That is just not true - my bins are full of wriggly red brandlings and other critters helping break down the contents.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
I have mine in regular dustbins with a lid and have a Hotbox which is totally sealed. All work really well and are heaving with life. The dusttbins double as womeries (of their own accord). The Hotbox gets too hot for worms to be happy, which is a downside.
I’ve certainly had a couple of instances of ‘things’ burrowing under the edge of the bins when they were just on soil. 😬 I’ve never put stuff in the bins which is generally considered attractive to rodents (cooked food, dairy, meat etc) but I think the bins were an attractive, dry, warm shelter in the winter.
Whatever - I don’t need something jumping out when I lift the lid or go to turn the contents. No way Jose!
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
Robert17
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I mostly now go for compost lifted on a pallet for air flow these days. Works just as well too.
I do that mainly because I am pretty phobic about rats, not that keen on mice and do not want any vermin burrowing into the bins. I also find it easier to drag the compost out onto concrete when turning and emptying the bins. Sweeping up & hosing down to keep the area clean and tidy is a doddle.
I've had bins on both soil and concrete and I think concrete is just easier.
People say you don't get worms and other critters in doing their good stuff. That is just not true - my bins are full of wriggly red brandlings and other critters helping break down the contents.
I’ve never put stuff in the bins which is generally considered attractive to rodents (cooked food, dairy, meat etc) but I think the bins were an attractive, dry, warm shelter in the winter.
Whatever - I don’t need something jumping out when I lift the lid or go to turn the contents. No way Jose!