Best of a bad job

Hi,
I'm looking to start composting. Problem is i have a smallish garden. The only sites for the darlek type bins are down the side of the house (mostly shaded) or behind some bushes next to garage again mostly shaded.
Been on Selby council website who offer a standard darlek for about 15 or a "hot" composter for aroung 50. I cant see how the hot one differs. The other option is diy store fare.
Any suggestions welcome.
Also seem to be differing theories on digging them into soil or placing on hard standing?
Would a hot water tank type jacket help if in the shade?

Also going to collect leaves in bin bags behind the shed.

Cheers
D

 

Forgot to ask...
Can i compost rhubarb leaves as i hear they're toxic?

Also added an autumn feed with mosskiller to the lawn. How long til i can compost clippings?

Yes i really know that little...

Thanks

​

 

I wrote a post on Composting recently which may be helpful:

http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/compost-heap-t30762.html?t=30762

" The only sites for the darlek type bins are down the side of the house (mostly shaded) or behind some bushes next to garage again mostly shaded."

Shade doesn't matter too much. Daleks can pick up heat from the sun, because they are dark coloured, but whilst that helps the composting process it is not crucial. If the process is Cold it will take longer.

"Been on Selby council website who offer a standard darlek for about 15 or a "hot" composter for aroung 50. I cant see how the hot one differs."

Me neither! Hot Composting is about adding enough material, of the right sort of mixture, to allow the right bugs to grow and make heat. Some insulation might help, but that's about it. most gardeners don't have the time, or the right mix of material, in sufficient quantity, to make a really good Hot compost heap.

"The other option is diy store fare."

I've seen plenty of compost being made from strapping pallets together to make three sides

"Also seem to be differing theories on digging them into soil or placing on hard standing?"

I definitely think it should be on the soil - so that the bugs (and worms etc.) from the soil can come up into the heap

"Would a hot water tank type jacket help if in the shade?"

I wouldn't bother. During the winter its too cold anyway, and the process will slow right down. During the summer when you have enough of the right material the temperature will soar ... I don't think insulation will make a lot of difference (although having a "bin" rather than just a rough "heap" does help)

"Can i compost rhubarb leaves as i hear they're toxic?"

Yes

"Also added an autumn feed with mosskiller to the lawn. How long til i can compost clippings?"

Not sure on that, best to read the packet. Broad-leaf weedkillers - like Verdone Extra - contain herbicide that is extremely persistent and you should not even put clippings in your council's recycle bin!! so be careful with those. Also be careful not to put too much lawn clipping on the compost heap in one go / layer. They will go very soggy and block out all the air.

 

My composter is also in shade - the only place it could go to keep it out of sight but still make it easy to get to (a point to consider!). Like John, I prefer to keep the garden for planting, so I tucked it away behind the shed. It still works, although slower I suppose.

If you do get one, make sure you get something to turn the compost as well...and most important, insert the turner/aerator early, before it gets too full and heavy to even get a broom handle in!

 

Thanks guys.
Think i might go for a darlek and a tumbler.
If i wanted to add worms to the tumbler what sort would you recommend and where would i get em from?

Cheers
D

 

Tumbler is intended to encourage a Hot compost process. Worms won't like that - the two are kinda mutually-exclusive - although when the temperature falls in the compost heap (e.g. towards the end of the composting process) the worms will move in to help finish the job.

Folk I know have a small wormery in the utility room (well, somewhere near the kitchen!) and chuck suitable scraps in instead of putting them in a pail/bin for the compost heap.

if you have a Dalek / Tumbler then just chuck your (appropriate) kitchen scraps in, along with other suitable garden waste, and away you go! If you can do it in a more organised manner than that, and/or achieve Hot composting, then that will be a bonus.

 

You could also add worms to the Dalek and once established they'll produce compost at least four or five times faster than normal decomposition and the compost will also be much higher in nutrients.
You need brandling or tiger worms, you can buy these on line or get them from a shop that sells angling supplies. Our worm colonies were started with spare worms from one of our son's fishing expeditions.