Buying a compost bin or building your own?

You can either construct a movable wooden compost box or choose one from a range of commercially available bins.

If you decide to construct your own box, the size will depend on the space you have available. Ideally though, to ensure that the composting process will take place, it is recommended the container is no smaller than 75 x 75 x 75cm. The box, which should be constructed from interlocking sections, can be made from any type of timber; this is a good opportunity to recycle reclaimed wood from old floorboards or pallets. It will need a wooden or polythene top to keep out the rain.

Although it’s possible to obtain wooden boxes commercially, plastic ones are more widely available. These work fine, but don’t tend to retain the heat as well. If vermin is a problem, opt for a metal container. The main point to check is that the box is rain, sun and frost resistant.