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So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
+6
polgara
Dandelion
mark barker
Sparhawk
John Cossham
Compostwoman
10 posters
Page 1 of 1
So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Well I think we need a thread about how many/what sort of composting methods we use in our plots.
I have (counts in head) 6 daleks, 18 NZ (recycleworks) wooden bins in a 2 x 9 configuration, 3 Komp 850's and a Can o Worms. As well as various heaps and leaf mould bags and piles of wood shreddings around in various places.
Some bins have " weedy/rooty" compostables in, which I only use in the bottom of holes, or spread in the wood when it is finished, some bins are dedicated leaf mould bins, some are dedicated wood chipping bins , some are " grassboarding" bins and some are general purpose mixed composting bins.
2 daleks are used for "personal and humanure" waste, and I make a lot of compost over the course of a year.
So I need to be organised!
some are " grassboarding" bins
Ok, will assume you don't know...
grassboarding is a technique where you use grass mowings and cardboard or paper to create a compost which is largely weed free ( depending on temp reached in the bin) and it is a peat like compost.
I have (counts in head) 6 daleks, 18 NZ (recycleworks) wooden bins in a 2 x 9 configuration, 3 Komp 850's and a Can o Worms. As well as various heaps and leaf mould bags and piles of wood shreddings around in various places.
Some bins have " weedy/rooty" compostables in, which I only use in the bottom of holes, or spread in the wood when it is finished, some bins are dedicated leaf mould bins, some are dedicated wood chipping bins , some are " grassboarding" bins and some are general purpose mixed composting bins.
2 daleks are used for "personal and humanure" waste, and I make a lot of compost over the course of a year.
So I need to be organised!
some are " grassboarding" bins
Sparhawk wrote:Is that like snowboarding ones, but for summer use?
Ok, will assume you don't know...
grassboarding is a technique where you use grass mowings and cardboard or paper to create a compost which is largely weed free ( depending on temp reached in the bin) and it is a peat like compost.
Last edited by Compostwoman on 28th May 2011, 10:56 am; edited 4 times in total
Compostwoman- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2009-11-08
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
OK OK OK.... I occasionally do a head count of my compost system family. I've done one this evening by just walking down my 80 metre long garden and then totting them up when I get back in. The numbers vary as I get given more, or find them, or buy them, I also sell one occasionally, and of course, not all are always in use.
So.....
Wormeries
1 Can Of Worms,
1 Worm Cafe,
1 Merlin Bin,
1 Original Wormery, (exactly the same as the Merlin!)
1 Home Made one made out of a plastic barrel.
Tumblers
1 200 litre cylinder on a metal frame
1 Envirocycle 125 litre
1 SunMar 400 CompostFlow
1 Compostumbler 334 litre
1 Home made Green Wheelie Bin on a wooden frame
plus a Compostumbler 635 which is broken so it doesn't count
plus 2 static 200 litre tumbler bodies with no metal frame
220 litre Daleks
5, two used for storing loam from turf, one with no lid or door, one empty as I only got it a few days ago.
330 litre Daleks
2 with no lid or door (one has turf in it, the other is ex-tumbler material)
13 in good working order
235 litre Compost Machine Daleks
4, 3 of which are my compost toilet contents system
New Zealand Bins, mostly made from wired-together pallets, and up on top of a solid pallet to dissuade rodents
4 full
2 dismantled
Others
1 Green Johanna
1 Green Cone (working)
1 Green Cone (just found on skip, no basket, not installed yet)
1 Komp 525
1 'Air Raid Bin' made from 2 pieces of J-shaped corrugated iron from an Anderson Shelter
1 leafmould enclosure made from chicken wire
2 builders bags
So, working systems for actual compost, rather than storing loam or turves, I make it 43.
I often do a quick hot tumble in one of the batch tumblers and then dig or tip the material out and put it into a dalek for a longer sit. In the past couple of years I've sold over 100 sacks of compost to Edible York, most of which would have been about 20kg, and most I delivered 3 or 4 at a time with my bike trailer. Last year I got £3 per sack but this year they got funding and I've been getting £4.50 per sack. I sell carrier bags of riddled compost for a pound or two (a donation, size of which up to the donor) down at the veg shop I collect most of my compostables from and this year I've offered seed compost and container growing medium too. I have a Scheppach soil sifter for the bigger loads, and a rotasieve for taking to do riddling at other peoples' houses.
My wife says I have OCD... Obsessive Composting Disorder. What do you think?
John
So.....
Wormeries
1 Can Of Worms,
1 Worm Cafe,
1 Merlin Bin,
1 Original Wormery, (exactly the same as the Merlin!)
1 Home Made one made out of a plastic barrel.
Tumblers
1 200 litre cylinder on a metal frame
1 Envirocycle 125 litre
1 SunMar 400 CompostFlow
1 Compostumbler 334 litre
1 Home made Green Wheelie Bin on a wooden frame
plus a Compostumbler 635 which is broken so it doesn't count
plus 2 static 200 litre tumbler bodies with no metal frame
220 litre Daleks
5, two used for storing loam from turf, one with no lid or door, one empty as I only got it a few days ago.
330 litre Daleks
2 with no lid or door (one has turf in it, the other is ex-tumbler material)
13 in good working order
235 litre Compost Machine Daleks
4, 3 of which are my compost toilet contents system
New Zealand Bins, mostly made from wired-together pallets, and up on top of a solid pallet to dissuade rodents
4 full
2 dismantled
Others
1 Green Johanna
1 Green Cone (working)
1 Green Cone (just found on skip, no basket, not installed yet)
1 Komp 525
1 'Air Raid Bin' made from 2 pieces of J-shaped corrugated iron from an Anderson Shelter
1 leafmould enclosure made from chicken wire
2 builders bags
So, working systems for actual compost, rather than storing loam or turves, I make it 43.
I often do a quick hot tumble in one of the batch tumblers and then dig or tip the material out and put it into a dalek for a longer sit. In the past couple of years I've sold over 100 sacks of compost to Edible York, most of which would have been about 20kg, and most I delivered 3 or 4 at a time with my bike trailer. Last year I got £3 per sack but this year they got funding and I've been getting £4.50 per sack. I sell carrier bags of riddled compost for a pound or two (a donation, size of which up to the donor) down at the veg shop I collect most of my compostables from and this year I've offered seed compost and container growing medium too. I have a Scheppach soil sifter for the bigger loads, and a rotasieve for taking to do riddling at other peoples' houses.
My wife says I have OCD... Obsessive Composting Disorder. What do you think?
John
How many compost bins do you have?
My name is CW and I have OCD....
On reading your post, I had a recount and I didn't count up the 4 pallet bins, or the "other " daleks around the side of the garage, or the many builders bags with stuff in, or the home made wormery made from plastic storage boxes... or the various heaps and bags and stuff scattered around or the Green Cone or the "demo" Komp 400......
but one thing occurred to me ....*I* have 4 acres to scatter all my composting stuff around and I *know*...you don't...so can we have a video clip on here?
I know you have done one...!
On reading your post, I had a recount and I didn't count up the 4 pallet bins, or the "other " daleks around the side of the garage, or the many builders bags with stuff in, or the home made wormery made from plastic storage boxes... or the various heaps and bags and stuff scattered around or the Green Cone or the "demo" Komp 400......
but one thing occurred to me ....*I* have 4 acres to scatter all my composting stuff around and I *know*...you don't...so can we have a video clip on here?
I know you have done one...!
Last edited by Compostwoman on 31st May 2011, 12:10 pm; edited 3 times in total
Compostwoman- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2009-11-08
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Well it's not a competition is it?
I may do a better filmette of my little plot, which is 'just' 80 m by 7m, and has over 10 big mature trees and loads more that I've planted, a studio, a garage, a pergola and a lot of mess and untidy areas.... plenty of wildlife!!
I may do a better filmette of my little plot, which is 'just' 80 m by 7m, and has over 10 big mature trees and loads more that I've planted, a studio, a garage, a pergola and a lot of mess and untidy areas.... plenty of wildlife!!
So how many bins do you have?
John Cossham wrote:Well it's not a competition is it?
I may do a better filmette of my little plot, which is 'just' 80 m by 7m, and has over 10 big mature trees and loads more that I've planted, a studio, a garage, a pergola and a lot of mess and untidy areas.... plenty of wildlife!!
No...not a competition at all - sorry if I gave that impression!
but you and I ( I guess!) probably have more bins etc than most other people....so I think it is useful for others to read what we DO have, and what obviously works really well (or we probably would have given up on them!)
And I thought your Fb video was really interesting...you have a large urban garden so it shows people much more what can be done in an urban environment, than my set up, which is obviously geared to a rural plot with more space...
I think your garden is lovely btw, not really messy at all...but then, I guess I am a bit biased..!
Compostwoman- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2009-11-08
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Compostwoman wrote: some are " grassboarding" binsSparhawk wrote:Is that like snowboarding ones, but for summer use?
Ok, will assume you don't know...
grassboarding is a technique where you use grass mowings and cardboard or paper to create a compost which is largely weed free ( depending on temp reached in the bin) and it is a peat like compost.
I do now, thankyou...
Sparhawk- Posts : 1787
Join date : 2009-11-15
Age : 57
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
I'm feeling quite left out now.... I want a compost bin! Actually I'm not sure I do, as that'd suggest I'd need to find somewhere to put one (or more!) which would mean I'd have to sort some of the other rubbish out in the garden! Anyone need a bike frame or ten?
mark barker- Posts : 659
Join date : 2010-07-29
Age : 49
Location : Swindon, Wiltshire
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Sparhawk wrote:Compostwoman wrote: some are " grassboarding" binsSparhawk wrote:Is that like snowboarding ones, but for summer use?
Ok, will assume you don't know...
grassboarding is a technique where you use grass mowings and cardboard or paper to create a compost which is largely weed free ( depending on temp reached in the bin) and it is a peat like compost.
I do now, thankyou...
I wasn't sure if you were making a joke, or if you didn't know...
Mark, you could always start a "How many bikes do you have" thread...?
AND get a compost bin ( or several) I think your council do discounted ones?
Compostwoman- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2009-11-08
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
As a mere lightweight, I have two small daleks, two large daleks and a really big bin (I'm guessing 500l or more?) for bark chippings from the chicken run. I also have a wooden crate which used to be a huge tool box on wheel from Ikea - the wheels fell off, and it's my box for the compost when it's nearly ready. The chickens like sitting in it!
Dandelion- Admin
- Posts : 5416
Join date : 2010-01-17
Age : 67
Location : Ledbury, Herefordshire
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
mark barker wrote:I'm feeling quite left out now.... I want a compost bin! Actually I'm not sure I do, as that'd suggest I'd need to find somewhere to put one (or more!) which would mean I'd have to sort some of the other rubbish out in the garden! Anyone need a bike frame or ten?
Two compost bins is all you need. You fill one with whatever waste foodstuffs, cardboard, garden weeds, cuttings etc you have, and then when full, you start filling the next one. When number two is full, the first will be ready. You dig that out and then start refilling the first.
For anyone with not enough space for two, one with a hatch at the base might be OK. I don't like having to dig stuff out of the base to make space for the stuff above to fall down, but it is an option. It's quite an art to get that operation right!
For those with even LESS space, a wormery is what you need! The stacking wormeries are very easy to manage, such as Can Of Worms and Worm Cafe... there are others, check 'bubblehouse wormeries' for instance, and there are dog poo wormeries too which have the stacking tray system.
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
I have one dalek type one which is usually full up with prunings & veggie bits & shredded paper & one dustbin that I fill during the winter with veggie peelings etc & some compost from used pots, that then gets planted with potatos in the spring, after which the resultant compost is just right to do the new pots, so a real circle. If I had my way, I would have several such dustbins, but the OH is not keen on the idea!!
polgara- Posts : 3028
Join date : 2009-11-16
Age : 77
Location : Sunshine Isle
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
I have just 3 - one rather expensive link-a-bord bin in the garden (must meet aesthetic requirements of Mrs C-H), and two of pallet wood at the lotty. With space for 2 more, once I've shifted the loam pile. 3 are pretty marginal for my needs - still had to buy some New Horizons this year, and I aim to reduce this in future.
I also have to odd black plastic bag of leaves moulding ...
I also have to odd black plastic bag of leaves moulding ...
Chilli-head- Admin and Boss man
- Posts : 3306
Join date : 2010-02-23
Location : Bedfordshire
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
only three here too, and like C-H several black sacks....
Leanne- Posts : 39
Join date : 2009-11-22
Location : Dorset
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
No "only" about it, Leanne, C-H and everybody
Three bins ( or two, or even one) is GOOD!
Lots of people have none and they throw away all their compostable material into landfill, so everybody who has compost bins ( heaps, etc) PLEASE
feel pleased with what you are doing to reduce waste and carbon dioxide emissions,
Three bins ( or two, or even one) is GOOD!
Lots of people have none and they throw away all their compostable material into landfill, so everybody who has compost bins ( heaps, etc) PLEASE
feel pleased with what you are doing to reduce waste and carbon dioxide emissions,
Compostwoman- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2009-11-08
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Are Daleks exclusive to round bins, or are the square ones Daleks too? Anyway, I've two square, squattish bins. Oh, yes, and EXTERMINATE!!!!!!
Or had in operation anyway. Was doing quite well, had two bins, a heap of finished going into garden this year, and over a tonne of greens and browns going into piles to get going again. That was until we got news to move.
So far we've moved over a tonne of finished goods to MIL house, where we'll be growing food starting now, got toms in already. We'll be taking the two bins, perforated dusbins and starting all over again. Exciting and crummy all at once.
For one, I know there's ample material just waiting to be cleared up around the property, so there will be an abundance to get started with, it's just frustrating to have to get at least a year head start to really get going agian. But we will!!
Or had in operation anyway. Was doing quite well, had two bins, a heap of finished going into garden this year, and over a tonne of greens and browns going into piles to get going again. That was until we got news to move.
So far we've moved over a tonne of finished goods to MIL house, where we'll be growing food starting now, got toms in already. We'll be taking the two bins, perforated dusbins and starting all over again. Exciting and crummy all at once.
For one, I know there's ample material just waiting to be cleared up around the property, so there will be an abundance to get started with, it's just frustrating to have to get at least a year head start to really get going agian. But we will!!
mr_sfstk8d- Posts : 584
Join date : 2010-12-01
Age : 47
Location : Peoria, IL, US
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Glad you can take the bins with you Mr S. Last time we moved we went into rented accommodation so had to leave our compost and bins to the people who bought our house. Seeing that they chopped down the trees and concreted over the front garden I shouldn't think they had much time for compost, so that hurt a bit.
Dandelion- Admin
- Posts : 5416
Join date : 2010-01-17
Age : 67
Location : Ledbury, Herefordshire
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Some people just don't seem to like plants do they Dandelion. This weekend I watched one of my "neighbours" lopping at my apricot tree. It is his right, what he cut off hangs over his property, but seeing branches loaded with fat, green apricots being lopped up and put into the council green waste bags does make me wonder whether some folk are right in the head. The only consolation is that there are a lot more left on my side ...
Anyway, back to compost. I notice that the original post mentioned our methods of making compost, not just the bin count - I'm trying to increase my compost output, and have been using more or less everything to hand from CW's list. Well, I don't like the idea of vacuum cleaner bag contents - who knows what is in there; I'm not that desperate. My third heap is a bit like tghe "grassboarding" approach, but with layers of allotment weeds (mostly grass, comfrey and nettles - much acquired from the rough bit over the fence ) and packaging from work - cardboard, brown paper, that maize stuff that looks like Wotsits. The last lot made really nice potting compost.
PS: thanks CW for the encoraging words !
Anyway, back to compost. I notice that the original post mentioned our methods of making compost, not just the bin count - I'm trying to increase my compost output, and have been using more or less everything to hand from CW's list. Well, I don't like the idea of vacuum cleaner bag contents - who knows what is in there; I'm not that desperate. My third heap is a bit like tghe "grassboarding" approach, but with layers of allotment weeds (mostly grass, comfrey and nettles - much acquired from the rough bit over the fence ) and packaging from work - cardboard, brown paper, that maize stuff that looks like Wotsits. The last lot made really nice potting compost.
PS: thanks CW for the encoraging words !
Chilli-head- Admin and Boss man
- Posts : 3306
Join date : 2010-02-23
Location : Bedfordshire
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
Chilli-head wrote:Some people just don't seem to like plants do they Dandelion. This weekend I watched one of my "neighbours" lopping at my apricot tree. It is his right, what he cut off hangs over his property, but seeing branches loaded with fat, green apricots being lopped up and put into the council green waste bags does make me wonder whether some folk are right in the head. The only consolation is that there are a lot more left on my side ...
Unbelievable...
Chilli-head wrote:PS: thanks CW for the encoraging words !
Compostwoman- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2009-11-08
Re: So how many compost bins/heaps etc do you have?
I've got 3 "Daleks" and a big square one in the garden, all at varying stages. Chicken run stuff, veg peelings, weeds, shredded paper, eggshells, teabags, grass clippings etc all go in, get stirred about every so often and emptied when ready. No real system, just chuck it and wait
At the allotment I inherited a big old ramshackle thing made out of fence panels and old doors. I just use that to chuck in all the weeds and leave them to rot down. Haven't been able to dig anything out as it's too deep for me and too unstable to try and undo a side to get to it, so it's more just a dumping ground
At the allotment I inherited a big old ramshackle thing made out of fence panels and old doors. I just use that to chuck in all the weeds and leave them to rot down. Haven't been able to dig anything out as it's too deep for me and too unstable to try and undo a side to get to it, so it's more just a dumping ground
AngelinaJellyBeana- Homemade Moderator
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