Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Design and Construction => Topic started by: TerryB on August 19, 2011, 12:41

Title: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: TerryB on August 19, 2011, 12:41
I had to make a compost heap quickly, so cut the bottom of a builders bag (1tonne type) into a flap, turned the bag upside down and drove a stakes at each corner into the ground. Flap forms a lid and I'm hoping that next year I can just pull the bag up leaving the compost on the ground. If bag will not come up I can just cut the bag away. 
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: arugula on August 19, 2011, 13:01
Good idea, you can let us know next year how it went.  :)
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: Spana on August 19, 2011, 15:15
I've been using them for years but i leave the bottom in, just stick a garden fork into the bottom a few times and i dont bother with the corner posts.  It works really well and looks quite tidy.  :)

I also use them for leaf mould.  I try and fill 4 every year then tip two in together after a year.  Makes wonderful stuff. :happy:

They are so useful.  I've cut some up and made smaller bags for garden rubbish, the handles are really strong.  I made 6 sand bags with them to put around the base of the church Christmas tree to hold it steady and every year i pack straw around our gunneras and pull the upside down bags over the crowns. 

Down side is they b***er up a lot of needles on the sewing machine :D
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: TerryB on August 19, 2011, 15:31
Down side is they b***er up a lot of needles on the sewing machine :D
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Have you tried using a stapler? they will go rusty but should hold for some time.
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: arugula on August 19, 2011, 15:41
Or use a wool bag needle and do it by hand.  :)
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: Spana on August 19, 2011, 15:41
Have you tried using a stapler? they will go rusty but should hold for some time.

That is a good idea and much quicker than sewing  :D Thanks I'm going to try that . :happy:

Now theres an idea for a competition  :)' What have you made from a builders bag '   ;)  ::) all answers must be clean :D
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: Aunt Sally on August 19, 2011, 15:53
Or use a wool bag needle and do it by hand.  :)

What's a wool bag needle like Argyllie ?
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: mumofstig on August 19, 2011, 16:04
That's what I call the large curved needles that you sow thick tapestry up with  :)

don't know if that's what Lorna means though, but they would do the trick.

Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: arugula on August 19, 2011, 16:08
It is indeed one of those, a widely used thing where sheep shearing and wool collecting is practised. I would have thoguht they were readily available in most parts of the country(side).

(http://www.hornershearing.com/acatalog/sackneedle.jpg)

 :)
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: Trillium on August 19, 2011, 16:21
That is also considered a type of upholstery needle, which might direct you to the right section for finding that particular needle.
Title: Re: Quick Compost Heap No Pallets
Post by: Aunt Sally on August 19, 2011, 16:24
I've got one of those  :D

It's ancient, must be Victorian.  I'll dig it out and put it on stand by  :D