In message , Jakoow
writes
On Sat, 6 Oct 2007 14:07:09 +0100, Klara
wrote:

Comments invited... And if anyone can think of a good use for that
other spare bin, I'll be interested...

JD

For the first bin: proceed as you say but cut off the very bottom of the
bin, place the bin upside-down, and replace the (proper) lid on what is
now the top. This makes for the right shape, maximum contact with the
soil, and ease of emptying: you just lift it up.

As for the second bin: that's for when this one is full and maturing...

Thanks, Klara. What you just suggested was more or less my original
plan which I didn't mention, as I had decided against it. But since
you've expressed a preference for it, I must reconsider! It certainly
avoids the need to upturn the full bin for emptying purposes. (I'm not
sure how difficult that would be, as I've no idea how heavy it would
be. One snag is that the lid won't fit the bottom of the bin. I could
rest it on top with a brick on it to stop it from blowing away,
perhaps. It also requires butchering two good dustbins instead of only
one.

I wonder if there is an advantage in having the bigger end of the bin
at the bottom because more worms can come and go. Is that one of the
reasons you suggested it?

JD
The closer contact with the soil and the larger area does seem to help:
not that I know where the worms come from, as they aren't earthworms. We
have three of these kept exactly the same way, but one has woodlice, one
has worms, one has fruit-flies - the variation must be the result of the
precise amount of moisture, I suppose.

But you don't have to make two: it's easy to lift off the one and shovel
it back for turning. By the way, we also have a wormery, as it was a
present. I quite enjoy it, it uses up much of the kitchen waste, but as
for producing compost, in 14 months we have had about two bucketfuls: a
bought one is really far too expensive for that.

--
Klara, Gatwick basin