Compost Cost

[Wizard9999]

Thank you very much all.

SWIMBO has ruled that it has to "look good" too!

How about fencing panels? Often, such things are cheaper than buying the wood to make them yourself! Do they come with gaps?

In my experience, whilst some of the cost difference of ready made panels is because the manufacturer buys in very large quantities, but it is also because the timber they use to make them is very poor quality. Certainly this has been the case when I have ended up buying them from one of the DIY 'sheds'. So if you want it to last I wouldn't try and modify panels.

 

[graduate_owner]

Pallets are great but they don't seem to last for mare than a couple of years without being treated, especially when permanently damp as in holding compost. I think a careful choice of wood preservative that won't affect your compost (and eventually your plants) with nasty chemicals like arsenic would be the thing to do then you should be fine for quite a few years. I have heard of people using ex builders suppliers dumpy bags but again they don't last that well in sunlight because of UV degradation, and I don't suppose they would be considered that attractive. However in a hidden corner, covered with a tarpaulin or similar, a dumpy bag could be a possibility.

While on the subject, if you have the chance get collecting fallen leaves for making leaf mould which is apparently a great soil conditioner. Monty Don suggested using a lawn mower to collect them if possible - picks them up and shreds them as well which speeds up the composting process. I use a Ryobi petrol leaf blower to 'sweep' the leaves into a pile, then I can turn a lever and suck them up into a collection bag. Great for getting leaves off the areas covered in chippings.

K

 

[PerranOak]

Thanks for the ideas all.

 

[Rhossydd]

How about fencing panels?

No use, too flimsy. Once the bin(s) are full and need to be emptied, the sides will get quite a hammering when you dig out the compost. Boards need to be at least half inch thick to last a worthwhile time.

As previously mentioned gravel boards are sturdy and cheap enough and can look more acceptable than pallets and mismatched reclaimed timber bins when 'on show'.

 

[SteveW1000]

We use pallets on a site I work on, add extra strips to what would be the bottom of the pallet so both sides are covered with strips about 50mm apart. Then paint with fence paint which ties if all together and makes them look alot better. Will only give you a bin about 4ft sq. If you want something bigger try your local bathromm shop / plumbers merchants baths are delivered on bath sized pallets and are obviously longer than normal pallets. We collected some from a Plumbase store the manager gave us free tee shirts and a glass of orange (it was warm) as he didn't have to pay for someone to take them away. As said dont take the Blue GK Cheep ones there only hired and standard pallets have a number of people going around picking them up from industrial estates which they then refurbish and resell to businesses so you would have to be quick if you see some you could use.

Steve

 

[John15]

Don't know how long you are expecting your bins to last. Pallet timber will probably rot within a few years. Treated gravel boards, 200 x 22, as suggested above are very durable but more expensive of course.

John

 

[PerranOak]

Hi all,

SWIMBO blew me out of the water and bought some "posh" ones!

That'll teach me to claim, "You can't buy the wood for that much!"

Thanks to all.

 

[NickWelford]

I use old bags in which gravel etc is delivered. Used to be recycled, but nowadays they only use once and discard. Good strong canvas type material is great for leafmould or general garden compost. Not the best looking, I grant you, but can be masked with cheap panels or screening.