Topic: Another compost query...

[cdchater]

Please help me resolve a small argument in our house! I have just 'obtained' a wooden crate to use as a compost bin. It has slats in the side and bottom which I think will be excellent for the compost as it will let air flow through. However, my hubby reckons that we should line the crate with plastic to keep the contents nicely contained and keep the warmth in. Who's right? Or do we both have good points? Any advise gratefully received!

Many thanks,
Claire

ps Sorry if somebody has already answered this query! I've looked through all the many compost threads and it doesn't appear to have been asked before.

[Hugh_Jones]

A bin with closed sides is far and away better than onbe with slatted sides.  The best bins are those that retain their internal heat, and bins with slatted sides allow this to escape.  Additionally slatted sides will allow the contents of the bin nearest the edges to dry out, which closed sides will not.

Ventilation for a compost bin should be from underneath, not through the sides, and is best accomplished by raising the bin with a brick under each corner. As the contents of the bin warm up aiur is drawn in through the bottom, much as it is in a firegrate, and travels upwards through the bin.  You don`t need a bottom of any sort, slatted or otherwise. The contents of the bin should be in contact with the soil.

[cdchater]

Thank you Hugh - as ever, excellent advise! Looks like I'll be lining the crate at the weekend then!

Many thanks,
Claire

[Ceri]

On the skank again ... you know me - I've e-mailed Comet to see if our local store can give me a couple of cardboard washing machine boxes - they will be 'liners' for my compost area, which still hasn't got decent sides - the fence is so old, and the bits of wood I've already skanked so hard I can't get the nails to go through strongly enough to keep it upright!! and no, its not me being a girl, my husband (was once a joiner) couldn't get it to work either!  I figure the cardboard will give some insulation, and eventually rot down itself - the perfect bit of re-use and recycling in one!

[cdchater]

Cerig,

What an excellent idea - that are probably just the right size to line the crate! I shall give that one a go - thank you!

I've been on the skant on the way into work this morning (still feeling quite sneaky actually!). All week there's been a skip near our car park and there WERE three pallets leaned up against it. Anyway, they were still there today and so I thought if no-body else wants them, they'd make another fab compost container on my lottie! Could only fit two in the car though so I'll have to get the other one on Monday, if it's still there! Skip raiding is excellent...should be introduced at the next Olympics

Regards,
Skanky Claire

[Ceri]

Nice one Claire - I'm  not sure of the legalities of skip raiding - but hey - reuse is worth the risk.  I love skanking, and have no shame in knocking on doors/going into shops etc. on the skank - I have never yet had a bad reaction - most people just find it funny.  Building sites are fabulous especially if you are a girlie,  speak very sweetly and don't use the proper names for things (yes I know, but I'm old enough now to be a post-feminist so get to do what I d**n well please and if that includes exploiting building workers for the allotment's gain, so be it!!)  Luckily I have loads of access to building sites through work so never come away empty handed - its amazing what goes in their skips.  I think we should have a 'my best skank' competition!

[busy_lizzie]

Cerig, Its one of my husband and my favourite hobbies, acquiring things from Skips, always with permission. I know we have spoken about this before, and have all agreed that it is incredible what people throw away.  Last week I got, would you believe, a Water Butt, which someone threw away in a Skip.  We have acquired loads of wood and pallets over the last few weeks too as people seem to be having jobs done for Christmas.  Our children think we are very odd when they see our eyes lighting up at a new Skip being delivered in the area.  What a brilliant idea lining your Compost Heap with a big cardboard box! busy-lizzie

[Ceri]

unfortunately, I've had no reply from Comet - so their e-mail customer service is just as ..er.... helpful as their telephone service - I will live in hope though, and physcially go round the stores if I need to

[cdchater]

Cerig,

Best skank competition sounds great! At the weekend I was walking near along the railway near our house and someone had just dumped some plastic boards with loads of holes in - anyway, tied together they made an excellent leaf box on my allotment! Along side them were about 10-15 old wooden railway sleepers (which I think are worth quite a bit now days?). Anyway, I'm going to contact the railway maintenance people and see if I could have them for the lottie - what cracking borders for my beds! Think they'll be quite wise though and say I can't have them! Good luck with Comet!

Claire

[legless]

the railway sleepers might not be possible. they will probably be treated with now illegal creosote so can't be sold but also do you really want their creosote leaching into your veggie beds?

[cdchater]

Ooh good point Legless...don't fancy any nasty creosote on my veggies (although I do love the smell of it...how weird am I). Don't think I could even move the sleepers anyway.

Talking of obnoxious chemicals, the bloke on the plot next to me seems to enjoy putting loads of petrol on his plot/weed heap and setting alight to it. Each to there own (and probably the best way to get rid of the horrible weeds) but I wouldn't fancy having petrol in my soil.

Claire

[legless]

i am another fan of the smell of creosote!!! you're not alone but i can't say it makes you any less weird!! :D

[merv]

HIya  :)

Railway sleepers (new) sell from £12-15 each depending on quality.

I really think that the old ones with creosote are pretty well leached out by now.  I use them as greenhouse base and have not had any ill effects  :P I think.