"wafflycat" wrote in message
...

"Bertie Doe" wrote in message
Thanks all for your obs. Incidentally if anyone is interested in taking
advantage of the DEFRA subsidised compost bins
http://www.recyclenow.com/compost/ offer ends soon.

It's through that site I've acquired three compost bins. Whether there is
a low-cost bin depends on your local authority area. Currently my LA
doesn't operate a scheme, so I'm glad I made use of past schemes.

I have a large concrete coal bunker which is surplus to requirements. I'm
moving it section by section to the allotment. It's easily twice the
capacity of the LA ones. It'll free up the space used by the existing
conventional heap.
Incidentally, I half filled the new compost bin, with some material from the
conventional heap. The following morning, I measured 35C on the compost
surface and 55C 9" lower (sad or what).
I know my French bean climbers have always been sensitive to cold Spring
nights. Next year I will lay a trench of grass cuttings, partly for the
moisture retention, but also to see if it will act as central heating
(underfloor hypocaust??)

Bertie