Dalek Style composters How to turn?
BrummieBen
Posts: 460
Hi there! Right I have two of the big black dalek composters, I'm hoping someone can offer me some advice on how they go about turning the compost and also how they get at the compost! Firstly As I have two, the simple plan would be to use one and fill up then use the other for the fresh, the problem is I'm loathe to throw anything compostible out! So when one is full the excess goes ontop of the other! Also there is an access 'flap' at the front, although for the life of me it's too small to really get in and get at the compost. The only way I can 'turn' it currently is to unload it all from the flap and top onto tarp on the lawn then shovel back in. It's not ideal at all, I'm thinking of making a decent set of 2 big bins from 2x4's, anyone have an easier way to do it? Or do you folks think better to build my own?
Thanking you in advance
Posts
You'll be pleased to hear there are loads of gadgets available for turning compost in dalek bins. This one has excellent reviews...http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0050I2FB4/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (unfortunately I bought the last one...but it gives you the idea.) I upgraded from one similar to this, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joseph-Bentley-JBY0125-Compost-Aerator/dp/B0047ZG59O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361979227&sr=8-3 on my sister's recommendation.
I have 3 daleks, one being filled, one cooking and one 'ready to go', so can always dig out stuff from the top. I use a big metal poultry feed scoop like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eton-Poultry-Aluminium-Feed-Scoop/dp/B003TL3VX0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361979396&sr=8-1 which also works to dig out stuff through the little flap.
precisely what i'm looking for, now to track another one down! Mind, I think I will just be making one, loads easier to fork it over i'm thinking. TY
I have 3 as well and a compost stirrer. I could not turn the ompost without the sttirrer. I got mine from mail order firm Coopers, but now Amazon have alot of choice.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Darlac-GF6529-DP788-Compost-Aerator/dp/B0028YOOE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361981890&sr=8-1
My one now looks cooked. I understand I need to sift it, next job to learn about,The one is definately cooking and the one to fill up is nearly full, so I really need to work out how I empty the cooked one and where/how to store the compost
http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/creative-projects/how-to-make-a-soil-sieve/312.html by the great Toby, I've made all sorts from his tutorials!
Everything that doesn't pass through goes back in the bin! As for storing, reusing old compost bags, and in a cool shed somewhere.
I use one of these.
I know, I do like my gadgets!
lol, if I show my mum one of these she'll want one for Mother's Day..
That looks a lot less effort than just a seive
I think Lyon Greene told me about them before
I've got the Darlac compost stirrer from Amazon, it's good, but works better if you use it from the start, and don't wait to buy it until the composter's half full. That makes it hard work!
Next thing I need to buy. I like the look of the first one Figrat showed. Now to see if I can get hold of one.
@ Rosa Carriola (and anyone else that might be interested) - google 'rotary compost sieve'.