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Weed membrane under compost bins, yay or nay?

Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
in Problem solving
Is this a good idea or is it best to leave the base open to allow more worms etc to get in? We have a lot of nettles and weeds coming in from a nearby meadow and want to keep them out of the compost. I'm sure I heard Monty Don mention putting a piece of cardboard at the bottom of a compost bin for this reason, but cardboard would soon degrade so thought membrane better? Appreciate your advice as planning to tackle pronto!

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I have done both. Membrane where there is loads of bindweed coming up from next door and no membrane in clear areas.
  • Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
    Thanks for your speedy reply. Good to know - and did you still have good compost from the lot with the membrane under?
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited May 2018
    I did, but compost is really about micro-composition - that you can't see - microbe levels, NPK values etc. All of mine smell like a woodland floor, gorgeous and crumbly, full of worms and all manner of critters in it, but that doesn't tell me much about the relative uses to the garden. I use it mostly to add structure to poor garden soil. I don't necessarily have faith in it as a sure-fire superfood - "black gold" etc. But then I don't much buy into the whole 'superfood' thing. You can treat it as an exact science. It probably is. But I love messing about with earth and worms. It makes me happy and ultimately feels like a great use of waste products. I don't worry too much about it these days. Others will no doubt have other views. Good luck!

  • DampGardenManDampGardenMan Posts: 1,054
    I've always used membrane under my compost heaps. They've always worked fine!
  • Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
    Thanks Both. Fire, your compost sounds perfect!
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Well, it's fun! I would happily sleep on it. Lol. Pure magic - the whole process.
  • Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
    My first compost bins and I'm ridiculously excited. Would never have thought it! Bring on the crumbly stuff! #ExCityGirl
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    That's because it's ridiculously exciting. 🌱
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