They are very slow compared to a normal compost heap,

why? is it because the sides are covered?
I have inherited a couple and have filled one (in layers of different
stuff). How long should I leave it before eI get it all out and remix it?

--
Hayley
(gardening on well drained, alkaline clay in Somerset)

"H Ryder" wrote in message
...
They are very slow compared to a normal compost heap,

why? is it because the sides are covered?
I have inherited a couple and have filled one (in layers of different
stuff). How long should I leave it before eI get it all out and remix it?

--
Hayley
(gardening on well drained, alkaline clay in Somerset)



They do not work as well as a normal traditional bin because
the size is not optimal.The biggest plastic bins are about 300L and the
optimal size for a heap is 1000L. min. For this reason they do not heat up
as fast or retain heat as well as the conventional bins. In addition the
thin plastic is not as good as solid planks in term of retaining heat.
I do not think there is enough air penetration in the plastic bins, unless
you have a very loose mix.
Give it a good mix every few months or if your lazy like me just leave it
for as long as it takes.
Do not be impatient to obtain the compost. If it's ready in six months count
yourself lucky.

I am not a massive fan of these plastic compost bins as they dont let air or worms in.

The best compost heap I own is made out of 4 pallets. Each pallet makes one side of the compost heap, the front one has been cut down to allow easy access to the front.

Then I have used old carpet to cover the top.

The worms get in from the bottom, the air gets in from the side, the heat is kept in by the carpet and the moisture is also kept at an optimal level by the carpet.

It is also easy to turn the compost every now and again with a garden fork.

Now how can you get all this with the free council compost heap, but if you arn't a dedicted gardener then the free composters are a step closer to recycling.