Do I need a plastic base for my compost bins ?

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wbmkk

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Do I need a plastic base for my compost bins ?
« on: February 21, 2014, 09:14 »
I was recently given a couple of those large, plastic compost bins.

2014 will be my first growing season on my new plot so I am keen to get everything up and running as soon as possible.

I am going to set up the two bins behind a timber fence, to prevent them blowing away. Obviously I'll fill one at a time.

I got two plastic bases too, but was wondering whether these are essential. I thought it was better to put compost directly on the soil, so worms can pop up, from the soil below.

thanks for any advice given

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mumofstig

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Re: Do I need a plastic base for my compost bins ?
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2014, 09:18 »
I've never heard of bases for daleks  :wacko: certainly never used one  :nowink:

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Annen

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Re: Do I need a plastic base for my compost bins ?
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2014, 09:37 »
I had one which had a base and it helped to keep it stable, and also discouraged vermin.  But you don't need a base, the worms seem to find their way in regardless.
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JayG

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Re: Do I need a plastic base for my compost bins ?
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2014, 09:40 »
Apart from allowing access to worms and other beasties air is an important "ingredient" for composting so you don't want your daleks covered tightly at the top and the bottom - some people stand theirs on wire mesh to keep out mice and rats but I don't and have never had a problem with either.
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sunshineband

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Re: Do I need a plastic base for my compost bins ?
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2014, 10:32 »
Apart from allowing access to worms and other beasties air is an important "ingredient" for composting so you don't want your daleks covered tightly at the top and the bottom - some people stand theirs on wire mesh to keep out mice and rats but I don't and have never had a problem with either.


If the compost in one of the dalek bins is a bit on the dry side, I sometimes have mice investigate --they soon go when I open the lid. My brother has slow worms overwinter in his bin, luck chap .

I've never bothered with any sort of base ---it makes lifting the whole thing off to deal with the contents very east then too  :D
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surbie100

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Re: Do I need a plastic base for my compost bins ?
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2014, 12:32 »
I've also got daleks, without bases. I've stuck mine on the hardcore area to try and dissuade mice if possible and it's chockful of lovely red worms.

It takes an astonishing amount of stuff to fill them.



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