[Sideways]

I have some old pallets and plan to knock together a simple compost bin for my new plot. Should I add a lid/cover or leave it open to the elements?

Which is best?

[Sadgit]

I have some old pallets and plan to knock together a simple compost bin for my new plot. Should I add a lid/cover or leave it open to the elements?

Which is best?

cover it with black plastic or something similar to keep the heat inside.

[richyrich7]

or a bit of old carpet.

[Sideways]

Thanks, I wanted to check that a cover was ok because I will add a sturdy wooden cover and use it as somewhere to sit. Its not going to be huge.

[senrab_nhoj]

the cover should ideally sit on top of the level of the compost... that way maximising the trapping of heat.   you could do both and have a fixed lid at the top to sit on and a removable piece of carpet/plastic sheet on the composting material surface

[wellingtons]

... of carpet, as it's cheap and easy and cosy.

Not good for sitting on though, if it's been damp.

On my huge old compost heap, the one I inherited with the plot, I had a tarpaulin.

I've finally used up every scrap from that heap now and at the weekend we moved and cleaned up the tarp.  Good grief it's huge.  I reckon it could cover a quarter of my plot ...  :shock:   Ooo all those weeds that can devil off and die in the spring, whilst my soil is nicely tucked up warm under the tarp ... or is that too good to be true???

[compostqueen]

I have one of those huge Wilko tarps folded up loads of times which makes a great duvet cover for the pallet compo bin. They're only about a fiver

I tried using it as a sheet mulch but it didn't work as lets light through.

[poultrygeist]

I've got a piece of plastic tarp with an old rug over the top. The cat loves sitting on top

Rob

[lincspoacher]

No, dont use carpet, it degrades and might inject nasty chemicals into your compost.

Knock 3 pallets together for three sides, and half board up the front (the bottom half). Line it with black plastic, and then cut a piece of black plastic to cover it, with a brick or two to hold it down. You can even use a batten to fix the plastic down on the back edge.

I have three like this on my plot, with about a ton and a half of horse poo and sawdust rotting away.

[Sideways]

Has anyone tried making a raised bed from pallets? (taking a pallet apart and using the wood creatively).

How did you do it?

I have an endless supply of pallets where I work so I plan to make the most of them.

[poultrygeist]

I just banged half a dozen short stakes in and nailed the 4ft pallet planks between, 2 rows high. It's lasted about 4 months without any sign of warping or falling apart. Obviously, not the biggest of beds (nor very creative :roll: ), but you could scale it up to suit.

Rob