Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Which is best for COMPOST bIN - DIRECTLY ON SOIL?

Robert17Robert17 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
DO i place my new compost bin directly on soil or on concrete and why?
«1

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I've always had mine on soil. Never had any problems and the worms can get up into it
    Devon.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Soil for same reason
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I've always understood that having it on soil is best but mine are on paving stones and work just fine.
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    I have both, two on paving and two on soil. They all work just fine and the useful beasties don't seem put off at all.
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • GemmaJFGemmaJF Posts: 2,286
    Either. Soil contact is good for microbes, but worms find a way in if it is on concrete. If you put in weeds with some soil hanging on to the roots, microbes are covered in any case.

    I mostly now go for compost lifted on a pallet for air flow these days. Works just as well too.
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Soil is best for useful critters to get in.  But rats can get in as well.  You can prevent this by putting fine wire mesh at the bottom.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    I keep mine on paving slabs properly laid on several inches of hard core. 

    I do that mainly because I am pretty phobic about rats, not that keen on mice and do not want any vermin burrowing into the bins. I also find it easier to drag the compost out onto concrete when turning and emptying the bins. Sweeping up & hosing down to keep the area clean and tidy is a doddle. 

    I've had bins on both soil and concrete and I think concrete is just easier.

    People say you don't get worms and other critters in doing their good stuff. That is just not true - my bins are full of wriggly red brandlings and other critters helping break down the contents.

    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I've never had rats in compost bins.
    Devon.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I have mine in regular dustbins with a lid and have a Hotbox which is totally sealed. All work really well and are heaving with life. The dusttbins double as womeries (of their own accord). The Hotbox gets too hot for worms to be happy, which is a downside.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    I’ve certainly had a couple of instances of ‘things’ burrowing under the edge of the bins when they were just on soil. 😬
    I’ve never put stuff in the bins which is generally considered attractive to rodents (cooked food, dairy, meat etc) but I think the bins were an attractive, dry, warm shelter in the winter.

    Whatever - I don’t need something jumping out when I lift the lid or go to turn the contents. No way Jose!
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
Sign In or Register to comment.