Where should compost bins be placed?

Where should compost bins be placed?

Traditionally compost bins are tucked away in a spare corner of the garden. Your compost bin should be easily accessible, but not in a place where occasional smells or leaching liquids will cause a nuisance. Place it on level, well-drained ground and make sure the location gets some sunlight.

Should a compost bin be in the sun or shade?

You can put your compost pile in the sun or in the shade, but putting it in the sun will hasten the composting process. Sun helps increase the temperature, so the bacteria and fungi work faster. This also means that your pile will dry out faster, especially in warm southern climates.

Can I keep my compost bin outside?

If you’re starting an outdoor compost bin or pile, choose a dry, shady spot in your yard to obtain the best performance from your compost. (See References 2) Also, store your compost near the garden where you plan to use it; when it’s ready, you’ll only need to move it over a few feet (see References 3, page 3).

How do I store my compost bin?

It’s best if you store it under a tarp or in some sort of container with a lid. If you need to store your compost indoors, find a location that is dry and has a relatively mild temperature. Heat speeds up decomposition, and cold slows it down.

Does a compost bin need air holes?

Yes! Good airflow is one of the secrets to successful composting. Without it, your compost pile could turn into a stinky mess (literally).

Should compost bin be covered?

In most cases, a compost pile does not need a cover. A cover can limit airflow and water, interfering with the composting process. You should definitely cover finished compost. Otherwise, if it’s exposed to the elements, the compost will break down further and lose nutrients as they leach into the surrounding soil.

Can you put weeds in compost bin?

Yes. As far as composting goes, weeds aren’t any more difficult to compost than other plants so they shouldn’t be wasted. If you are following general weed advice and removing them whilst they are young, the weeds will breakdown and make excellent compost quickly.

Should compost bin be open or closed?

Should my compost bin have a lid?

It is not essential for a compost heap to have a lid. However, a lid does help to regulate both the temperature and the moisture levels. You could easily use a piece of old carpet (preferably Hessian backed rather than foam backed) or a thick piece of plastic tarpaulin weighed down with stones.

Do compost bins smell?

Odors. If a compost pile smells, something is wrong. Ordinarily, composting does not smell. Mostly two sorts of smells — rot and ammonia — afflict a pile, and since these have clear and distinct causes, they’re actually quite easy to diagnose and treat.