Compost Bins at allotment

[leonmc0708]

I have managed to secure an allotment after almost 8 years on the waiting list and have studied other peoples' and numerous publications and magazines in the interim period.

I have just put together a pallet based compost heap after reading a few articles and various websites.

ITs pretty big, with just two comparments and I have put pallets down on the base for circulation of air.

See the picture here:





I have a few questions/queries/requests for advice:

1) should I line the pallets with a weed membrane to keep stuff in/out
2) I am going to make some swing open doors on the front and hinged top - should I bother with the hinged top or just go for coering with black plastic ?
3) I intend to add a third compartment to allow for the "3 bin system" but is this necessary ?
4) I am going to put in cuttings etc from grass, leaves and the like as well as uncooked vegetables, tea bags and coffee from home - any advice on accelarants ?

Any other tips or hints I would welcome.

LEon

[rustylady]

You've done a great job there - I'm jealous.

Personally, I would do away with the base. I find compost "makes" better when in contact with the soil.

As for the best and cheapest accelerant, if you look through some of the threads on here we are mostly happy with human urine (save your own).

I use the black plastic "Daleks" and get good results. I agree that the heap is better covered, but I think black plastic would do as well if not better than a hinged wooden top.

[Aberdeenplotter]

If you want an accelerant, a handful of granular fertiliser works great as does the odd spadeful of soil. I wouldn't be too fussy about the construction. The frame is just to keep your compost all in one place. It doesn't "need" a top or sides although it might look better with them.

[taff]

Accelerant is also anything nitrogen, so chopped down nettles etc. I put an old door on top of my compost bin [same as yours but not so pretty ] because it can get waterlogged when it's raining and doesn't make compost as quickly then.