Those who compost, please advise me

[WellTidy]

I started taking an interest in my garden a couple of years ago, and have really enjoyed the overhaul that has happened since. I realise though that I now need to nourish the plants that I have, and I think I need to compost. Always one to make things as easy as possible, as I don't have masses of time, I saw this RHS Chelsea product of the year composter and I wonder whether this is something anyone has any experience of? I don't have space for more than one compost heap, so do you think this composter would be the best option for me (I would be looking at the larger, 200 litre one)? It seems to create compost quickly and claims to be odour free. I have a real fear of vermin, so having something airtight is a real attraction for me.

They get good reviews in gardening groups, if you’re ok with the cost.

Do you know any comparable product that is cheaper please Mutakirorikatum?

I think the cost for the ordinary garden seems very high. I have never had vermin in my compost.

I use the wooden slatted one because it is easy. Once every 4/5 months I pull out the bottom slats and dig out the compost and put it back on top. I use all uncooked vegetable waste, garden waste, some newspaper and cardboard. It is a good idea to wet the cardboard as you will find loads of worms are attracted to it.

It never smells. I don’t put any fruit peelings or fruit in there and definitely no cooked food.

I meant to say, when I dig it out I sieve it and use the good stuff. Anything not quite composted I put back on the top. I don’t use any accelerators. It does take a year to get the best compost because it does not get as hot as some. After the first year though, there is a constant supply.

If you have space, the cheaper option is to get some old pallets and build a structure like the one in the pp, or ideally a set of three so that you can have several stages on the go at once.

But if you don’t have space or enough material to make proper hot compost in a bin, then I think the hotbin is probably a good solution, if you can afford it. I’ve been tempted to get one myself, but I have a three-bin old pallet setup, so I really can’t justify it.

You would definitely get better-quality compost and in a shorter time than using a dalek—type composter.

Thank you both for your input. I can justify the Hotbin composter on the basis that it will be my birthday present (!) so I think I will go with that as it minimises effort and time involved. I agree though that it is pricey. Thanks for the advice florentina on wetting the cardboard. Do you use normal torn up cardboard or is it always corrugated?

Any cardboard that does not have the shiny side to it, like cereal boxes. Amazon boxes are good. Add stuff gradually and in layers, though in your super composter, that may not be so important.

Thanks florentina. I will start saving the cardboard in readiness! I am quite excited. Do you use compost as a mulch and lay it round the existing plants on the top of the soil, or do you dig it into the soil please?

OP, have a look at Charles Dowding’s website and YouTube channel for how to use composted mulches with no digging.

You may wish to set aside a few days...

I mulch with it.

Thank you