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Can I use this compost bin?

darcie0zppt3Bmdarcie0zppt3Bm Posts: 2
in Tools and techniques
Hi, after some advice! I've just moved into a new house and this compost bin had been left in the garden but it's missing the hatch it seems? I've been really keen to get into composting so I was happy to see it, but can I still use it? Can I just board it up with something and access the compost via the lid only? Apologies if this is really obvious but I'm a complete beginner  :# Many thanks!

Posts

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Welcome to the forum.
    You can use the bin. It's free, it is mostly all there, and it should do the job very nicely. You need to cover the hole where the hatch door should be and if you think there might be a problem with creatures burrowing up into the bin, then put some wire netting underneath (a problem I have only just encountered after decades of rotting down vegetation). Once you get into composting you will want to expand production and maybe go for a two or three bin system which gives things a more than decent time to rot down.
    Just a word about the little hatch (currently missing). I never dig compost out from that small space as it is back breaking and frankly awkward so I wait for the whole lot to rot down nicely then pull over the bin and shovel everything into a wheelbarrow prior to carting it around the garden.
    Go for it. Your garden will love you for making the effort.

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Just tape some board or even cardboard over the hole with strong sticky tape, and go for it.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    fidgetbones said:
    Just tape some board or even cardboard over the hole with strong sticky tape, and go for it.
    I acquired a similar ‘door-less’ bin on Freecycle and have put a piece board against the hole. It’s been making good compost for the past 4 years. 👍 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • darcie0zppt3Bmdarcie0zppt3Bm Posts: 2
    Brilliant, thanks so much for all the advice! Very pleased I can use this one 🙂
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