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Compost Bin on concrete?

alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OFalexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF Posts: 163
in Plants
Quick question... Can you put a compost bin on concrete? I'd like to place preferably 2 bins in the corner of my patio that's shaded and pretty neglected. Any advice? 
Happy Gardening

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Yes, it's fine, but you have to allow for the leachate liquid that comes from the base. You could use sealed units, like regular dustbins with lids, as long as there are drainage holes. I use regular dustbins and burn or drill holes in the base.

    You can buy an enclosed HotBin mark II which has a a leachate tank that you can empty. (The first model doesn't have this). It may be too expensive for you.


  • ManderMander Posts: 349
    I've got a plastic dalek type that has a base plate sitting on the patio. I've never had an issue with stuff leaching out of the bottom or unwanted creatures getting in. 
  • alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OFalexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF Posts: 163
    Seems good so far what you guys have said. Do you have any issues with not enough worms getting in. 
    Happy Gardening
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Not at all. All my sealed bins are a heaving mass of worms.

     It's a good idea to have three or four bins on the go (or at least two) so that you can turn out one into another to aerate. You can have bins at different stages of decomposition. When a bin is finished I save some of that compost back and add it in to a new starter bin - to transfer eggs and microbes and worms. Adding a bit of your garden earth and manure will help things along too.

    One downside of a Hotbin is that it gets too hot and worms aren't happy and they migrate up to the lid.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    We've got 3 darleks on paving slabs, nothing has leached out,only thing that's sneaked in,is those fancy red worms.
  • alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OFalexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF Posts: 163
    Great advice guys thanks 👍. I'd probably be looking at buying 2-3 daleks as the space isn't huge. They shouldn't get to ot as its in full shade all day. 
    Happy Gardening
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