How close can I plant to my composter?

themidnight_rambler · « **on:** July 15, 2008, 15:48 »

I have a plastic compost bin with a lid and it is about half a meter from the edge of my unplanted bed.

I'm worried about flies escaping each time the lid comes off and feasting on nearby veg or if planting this close could be bad for what I grow.

p00rstudent · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2008, 15:54 »

as long as you get the balance of stuff in your compost bins right you shouldnt get too many flys, and i have planted a block of sweetcorn right next to my bins and they seem to be doing ok. so i wouldnt have thought it a problem, but then i have only just started at this grow your own thing so you might want to wait till some one else who knows better comes along.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2008, 15:59 »

The flies from a compost heap won't hurt any growing veg !

themidnight_rambler · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2008, 16:06 »

Same here, I only started this year so I am full of questions - I think it will be a long time before I can offer advice!

DD. · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2008, 16:38 »

You should see the rhubarb next to my composter!

themidnight_rambler · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2008, 16:52 »

Now there's a thought! Will have to wait for next year to put rhubarb in I suppose.

DD. · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2008, 17:39 »

Quote from: "themidnight_rambler"

Now there's a thought! Will have to wait for next year to put rhubarb in I suppose.

Late Autumn onwards.

Not sure if you are on an allotment site or not, but most folk would be only too pleased to give you a crown.

themidnight_rambler · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2008, 09:31 »

I'm not on an allotment, moved into a house with a very long straight garden that I am gradualy turning into a large plot.

Thanks for the tip on the rhubarb, I have a few neighbours I can steal a crown from.

compostqueen · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2008, 09:36 »

a good one to plant by your bin is comfrey as you can rip leaves off and bung them straight into the bin as it's a compost activator as well as instant plant food.

You need to leave room round your bin so you can stir it and empty it out etc without trampling your plants. When it comes time to empty it you will need a bit of space for getting it out into the barrow etc and it would be a faff if you have planted right up to it with your veg

themidnight_rambler · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2008, 11:46 »

I have left a half meter gap to the side and have a decent area to the front for access with a barrow - I was just concerned that whilst things are rotting down it mught be a hazard but clearly not!

Thanks for the tip on comfrey, I was floundering on what to plant next or at least plan for next year. The list is growing now!

bigsowandsow · « **Reply #10 on:** July 16, 2008, 23:12 »

Total novice here, so be kind....comfrey sounds like it would fill a gap near my compost bin as well. Does it come in seed packets? (Ducks to avoid low-flying abuse..)

compostqueen · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2008, 23:14 »

no it comes as plants. Folks always have plenty so try and cadge a root. Bocking 14's are good plants, sold by the Organic Gardening Catalogue as they don't get invasive. They sell them in packs of 5, if memory serves

bigsowandsow · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2008, 23:26 »

Thanks for that really helpful reply. Just off to check out the website you mentioned...byee.

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