Hi Niall. Great video for a simple 'hot' bin. I work in polystyrene manufacturing/recycling and one issue with the grey polystyrene (manufacturerd from a BASF granule called Neopor) is that the graphite in the beads absorbs radiant energy and so these can get very hot in full sun. I have seen packs of this EPS get hot enough to melt when covered in clear plastic. Polystyrene is made with steam just over 100°C so any exposure that gets it over about 70°C can start causing problems. You can however make an easy low cost protection for polystyrene by stretching a stretchable mesh with about a 1mm grid like curtain mesh over it and painting with a thick coat of house paint. The combination of mesh and paint gives a stronger more impact resistant surface that is also easy to clean. I built a 'hot' bin by putting old 100mm sheets of polystyrene as a box around a $10 end of life wheelie bin. It was for a composting toilet receptacle so the use of a more rugged bin was to keep me out of the shite. We had days averaging 6°C this winter and the bins been 50 - 55°C right through. FANTASTIC!
I liked the part about cutting on the rug. In one of my books, it says, "Do not use the coffee table unless you are either single or wish to become so again." When you talked about cutting on the rug, it all came back, LOL!
I built the hot composter with one modification, I wrapped the entire body in builders damp proofing after construction. This added some binding strength and also a little extra protection for where it is located. I used the same impact adhesive to bid the plastic sheeting to the composters exterior and also to the top plug. I allowed a little extra on the sides to help rainwater run off over the seems without seeping into the seems between the sheets of polystyrene - and I can report that it is working as hoped. I have yet to add the thermometer - but right now its as hot as a sauna in there. Cheers for the inspiration!
Brilliantly explained and with exactly the right amount of fear that you might damage the carpet or floor. We have all been there! Getting into trouble! Thank you sir. A touch of the David Tennant's about you!
I built this and didn't think much to be honest - then one day - I opened the lid and it was steaming - the material about 2" below the top was too hot to hold comfortably - this definitely works and the instructions are really clear - but follow them to the letter to avoid costly mistakes - the 5cm thick Jablite board from B&Q is pricey enough. Also, it is prone to tear out but easy to repair with the offcuts and glue you will have. I built 3 which gets the price down to about £40 per composter. Well done Niall for a fantastic cost effective hot composter and super easy build instructions.
Hi Niall, I made one today, following your instructions. The only difference I made, was to have the bottom part removable, so that the holes could be cleared out if they get blocked. And like you raised it up on bricks, but with a seed tray beneath the holes to catch any compost juice, which I can dilute with water to make a flower feed. Thank you for your very professional channel. And look forward to more content.
Great job! That's great that you've made one! Mine is actually the same as yours, I don't stick the bottom to the main unit for the same reason - makes it easy to clean 👍 Let me know how it goes for you - I'm sure you'll have loads of success!
@@christinespragg1942 No signicant heat from what I can tell, though there must be some heat escapeing. I suppose with modification then extra some small holes could be put in the lid.
Hi Tom -question: how exactly are you collecting the juice? I would imagine that if it’s just open you’d only be getting drops at a time, which would then evaporate before you can even collect it, no? Do you have some sort of a contained system for the juice? I’m almost compelled to carve it out a bit enough for the juice to collect in the middle and drip onto a closed, small container attached to the bottom.
@@christinespragg1942 it is great that you have the initiative to make this project for multiple uses, BUT this is a COMPOSTER, which means it's main purpose is to heat up to kill seeds and seedlings. It's form is tower so core heat is at its optimal and rises through the rest of the compost, and the humidity drips back down to some and keep the process going. .. just my two cents here
What i did was a variation to your method. I had large wooden pallets. Four sided with a opening section on the front. I used polyestyrene panels similar to yours but slid them into the gap between the outer & inner pallet walls. Thus lining the pallet walls. Put a wooden top on the compost bin and a floating polystyrene lid (sits on the top of the compost) Result really durable compost bin (capable if taking 1.3 cubic meters full) Applying a chaffed mix of green & brown material created with the mower i can take about .5 cubic meters every 8 weeks grom the composter. Having the insulation i can keep a composting temp of between 60 - 80c.
I was just looking into buying one of the commercial ones and saw this just in time! Looking forward to the rest of the playlist to learn about how to use it properly
I made one of these after watching your video. I found a building render supplier that sells the foam sheets in varous thicknesses. The first night I filled it up a fox broke into it. I had to make a new base and repair the side but so glad I didn't buy an expensive one as the same thing would have happened! Now it's repaired I'm going to fill it again and keep it in a safer location. Would be good to cover it in wood as another person suggested, would keep the pests out! Luckily I had just enough adhesive left to make the repairs. Thanks again for posting!
Built and ready to go. I covered whole bin with ‘correx’ and also made a cover for the lid, this cover extended down over the bin by about 4” to do a descent protective job and hopefully enhance chimney effect created by the hole for thermometer. I’ve fixed some correx to inner face of the bottom foam base before drilling the air holes through all layers. Hope the above details sound ok. Building up some more scraps before start using.
This is brilliant! So cool that you've gone for it, and made your own. I have no doubt that you're going to love it. Have enjoyed your updates - I'm playing around with the Correx myself to make an upgraded composter... could make an interesting video for everyone perhaps.
wow, this is excellent. I've only just come across you searching for info on tumbling composters so I watched that one and now going to make my own hot composter. Lovely having the practical info.
This may be a stupid question, but has anyone tried making one of these with an old chest freezer? I'm thinking a few strategically placed holes from outside skin to inside of the body with pipes inserted to allow air in and liquid out. The rest is pretty much already made for you. A thermally lined water proof box, with tight fitting lid and it has the added benefit of being metal clad for strength / durability. Yes you'd need to take material out through the top, rather than that little door at the lower front, but it sounds like a pretty quick, cheap, hardy solution. Time for a bit of research I think!
Simple and good. I will not overcomplicate this by explaining polystyrene electric hotstring cutting and such. But the material as XPS rigid/high density sands very well with a flat block and finer sandpaper (120-240 grit), to make the cuts smoother, prettier and less prone to edge crackings/crumbing. A youtube video on basic boat glassfiber epoxy laminate repair and a small boat store supply shopping spree later, this box can easily be made into a tough skin everlast that will outlive most shovel strokes inside and be able to endure direct UV exposure outside for many years to come. Do NOT use Polyester or Acetone on Styrene, it will spontaneously turn the plates into liquid goo. Use unthinned Lamination Epoxy.
Hi Niall, I did a variation of your method using some of the packaging that our cat and dog food arrives in - basically cellophane wrapped sheep's wool. I sealed this in 'compartments' between two sheets of polystyrene in the sides of the composter. This made the sides essentially 3 polystyrene sheets thick and reduced the internal capacity a little but still plenty big enough for our garden/kitchen waste. I'm hoping this will help maintain the internal temperature.
I’m just finishing mine having followed this tutorial. I’m using reclaimed, 6cm thick polystyrene plates. They don’t look as good as yours but hopefully, it will work just as fine! I have just a small garden, so I shortened the design by 20cm. Smaller volume doesn’t work well with normal composts, but that’s what I hope that the insulation will fix
Wish I’d have seen this before I shelled out for mine. It has also explained why mine is not getting hot enough. Will now enlisted a neighbour.Thanks for the info.
So glad that the video was useful. Don’t worry - although you bought one, it’ll be great and it’s a nice professional product. If you’re interested in how to really get your hotbin working, I’ve made a specific video on the best ratios of materials etc… Just have a look back on my channel page. Enjoy!
what a fabulous idea ..I actually bought one ..and it is good ..but trying to find enough to fill it is a problem .the smaller version you should is ingenious
Just found this-have seen one like it on another channel, so thought I’d look see what I could find and you came up first and I’m already subscribed but only in last year so missed this. But omg I’m gonna make one of these. Thanks
I found an old forum post today where it mentions a price of £150 for the hotbin (I assume the 200l one as that came first). Hotbin have now put their prices up again and are asking £300 for it! It's a bit of plastic! Glad I got mine second hand
Been pondering some more on a protective layer. I thought about a sheet of thin ply that’s in shed and was planning to use after a coat of weather proofing before sticking to the outside. Then I remembered Correx’, (had used it years ago in aero modelling), think this will give decent protective layer on the styrene and a protective sheet such as correx is not expensive, think just under £5 for a 1.4m x 2.5m sheet. It won’t add too much weight and will give a good layer of protection against knocks etc so might be worth a try
I don't believe it! Great minds think alike - I just bought sheets for Correx to do exactly that! It's light, easy to work, and I think it'll do a good job... I'm planning on making a follow-up video where I 'level up' the hot composter with the Correx!
@@niallgardens I'm thinking that before drilling aeration holes in base plate I'll fix a piece (cut to size) on the inner base plate and then drill the holes through all those layers of the base.
I'm a bit late to the party 🎉but saw a how to by Wiltshire Man who used your method and made some tweeks. Thank you for the brilliant, easy to follow tutorial! Just finished making my hot box😊🏴
As an extra precaution, you could make an inner plug that fits snugly on top of the composting material to lessen the heat escaping into the dead space? Nice bin by the way.
Great video with plenty of detail I I reckon I'll be giving it a go. I would suggest a tray of some sort under a raised up version to catch liquids escaping from the compost which can be either put back into the composter or fed to my plants.
@@niallgardens I attached a 75mm deep hdpe tray/tote to the bottom of mine. It has 81 x 1/4" holes drilled near the top for air intake and a 15mm tube/tap for the drain. The bins internal aeration is what you mighjt call non standard ..just for the craic :) th-cam.com/video/cr8iYC99l1M/w-d-xo.html
This is great tutorial ! I already have a hot bin which I love. My problem is with the leachate that seeps out the bottom ☹️. I’ve just bought a large square plastic tray (£6.50 from my local garden centre) and placed 4 bricks in the centre and sat the hotbin on top so liquid will hopefully collect in the tray 🤞🏻. It will be easy enough to siphon off the liquid to use 🙂. Hope this helps
Thanks Moira! Yeah I think that sounds like the best plan... saves the liquid going everywhere, plus you can reuse it. Great to see a fellow hot composter!
I am new to composting and have questions you may be able to answer. I have to "turn" my compost pile about once a week. It looks like this composter does not require turning. Am I correct? How much compost material do you put in the compost box? 25%, 50%, 75% or just fill it up? You must not fill it up if the thermometer does not touch the compost. Do you ever have to put water in the box? How long does it take to complete the compost cycle? Thanks for any help you can provide. Great video with all the facts on the build.
I've actually had a go and made it up after viewing your vid quite a few times hehe. Just waiting for the morning now to fit the base and the lid and fingers crossed it'll be a good 'un. Thanks for the clear instructions and smooth delivery. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Owen! Well done and good luck with the compost making! I've been really happy with mine, so hopefully you'll be just as happy with yours! From your photos, it looks BRILLIANT!
@@niallgardens thanks, as I mentioned earlier the instructions you gave are so clear and straightforward. The whole thing came together really well with no fuss. I'd recommend it to anyone to have a go. Thank you once again. 👍🏼
This video is really inspiring as well as educational. I'm still bouncing between making one and buying a premade one, but if I were to build one I'd follow this guide with possibly a few additions. Maybe lining the walls with either silicone, or some sort of inert material (glass would be nice, but far too expensive). Also putting a screen over the bottom to help keep the holes cleared. A bit over engineered, but you could also build a wooden frame for it to help protect it as well as keep it ridgid, as well as making it look better. All these things are nice to haves, but your design looks like it works great without too many extra frills to over complicate things. A good springboard for the imagination. Thank you for making and posting this video.
This year has been a really bad one in my garden for weeds like bindweed & grasses with seeds which I don't want to put in normal compost, so I'll be giving this one a go. Thanks for this clear and simple guide, which looks like it will be much cheaper than anything available commercially.
@@niallgardens All done. I used 6cm 125 x 60 Ursa insulating board but it was T&G so I had to cut that off. I have propped mine on concrete blocks and sat a small mason's trug underneath so I can catch the liquid (if it doesn't dry up first!). That's made it quite tall, so I pushed the thermometer in through the gap for the hatch at the front, and it's now reading 32°C (after about 4 days). I had a reel of heavy duty plastic box strapping so I used that instead of ratchet strap, apart from the one that holds the door in place. I improvised something to stop the tape digging in to the corners. I'd post a photo but it doesn't look like I can. Thanks again for a great project.
A few of the Amazon links to buy the materials for this are not live any more, NIall. Mostly it's easy to find another seller, but the 25mm multi purpose insulation boards for the body of the hotbin are proving a problem to find. Can you suggest another option in Ireland or available to Ireland, please?
Nice tutorial, and build. An alternative would be to use rockwool or basalt panels, instead of the plastic ones. A more natural and sturdier insulating panel. Also a more air permeable material, so a vapor barrier would be needed for the sides and top, but perhaps no drilled holes on the bottom, other than for leachate.
Great video! Building mine as we speak. The '25mm Multi Purpose Insulation Boards Floor Wall Roof & Underfloor Heating (12)' boards are fairly fragile, I wonder if anyone has found a supplier for EPP foam? It's the same stuff Hotbin use to make their bins. I'm tempted to skin the inside of the bin with the blue damp proof sheet for an extra bit of durability.
Why don't you glue the base on? I have built one and the sides by the door are opening out with the pressure. I think I might try and glue this in the summer
Hi Niall, I have made 2 hot composters based on your design, but unfortunately neither have been successful, although when first stocked both composters reach temperatures of 50 to 90 degrees C they soon cool down, I’ve attempted to turn the compost but they just stay at the ambient temperature, weeks have gone by but I’ve certainly not got a usable compost, would appreciate some help please, John
That looks very doable Niall - great video. Will definitely explore doing this form of composting. It’s not something we’re familiar with in our part of Australia. Love the idea of how quickly we can get usable compost! Thanks for the information.
.Hello, there. I think it looks great. Very clean cut in design and practical and looks like a modern concrete/ gray stone, work of art/? Just one thing: does it have to be tall? I would like to have it shorter and longer ie, height reduced and about 4 x the width. One section of my upper, top-level Terrace is small and on the east side with lots of trees blocking the morning sun. The spot designated receives about 4 hours of midday sun which can get hot, but then it is reflected light for another 4 hours. There is not much free air flow owing to a dividing wall which has a small section at ground level of about 10 cms of unblocked access to the neighbour's Terrace creating a free flow of air. I want to use something like this for recycling used-soil from large plant containers plus adding kitchen scraps to sort of break down as compost. My wish is to leave it open in summer to plant a bit of sweet-corn and some Pumpkins and melons on the top of the composting area and then, closing it up for our long cold winters of 6 mths. This smaller section of the Terrace is about in width, the same length as those polystyrene sheets you used. To be able to close it all up in winter for hot composting would be ideal, from my point of view. What do you think?
In keeping with the worry of leaching of toxic chemicals into a compost; every thought of cork sheeting? May need to line the inside though if it breaks down/ or rebuild it every so often.
Is this foam board and glue non-toxic? I would really like to make one but I’m concerned with the possibility that the foam board would leach into my precious compost. Great video…I found you today from a Huw Richards video. You make it easy to follow along with your instructions. I’m in the USA about 3 hours south of Chicago and we’ll be getting more snow again this week. Thanks for the info!
Hi Susan! Thanks for the comment. I did quite a lot of research before making the video around leaching of polystyrene and my findings were that extreme heating was required and at that, any levels were low. For that reason, I'm confident that the pros outweigh the cons. Hope this helps!
Hi Niall, Thank you for an excellent video workshop. I built one over a year ago and was delighted with the results. Unfortunately, I discovered rats had eaten through the back wall and made their nest among the lovely warm compost. I am now building a new one and intend wrapping it in strong small square wire. Has anyone else had this problem? MB Australia
Thanks for this, Niall! I've made one and it works! Can't believe that half-rotten apples, kitchen scraps, grass clippings and some weeds create some much heat!!! Reached 60C in about 3 days!!! Mine is actually 7cm thick, with top and bottom double that, of course, as these were the insulation boards I got off FB marketplace for under a tenner. A steal, right?
This is such good news! I'm honestly delighted that you've made one and that it's working well for you! And yes, you bagged yourself a proper bargain there!
I found insulation with silver foil to be much more durable, you need the 50mm stuff. Unfortunately it does still bow over time so a few extra cam straps will be. Needed, and a plywood base. To be honest, I managed to buy a used hotbin for £100.00, which was less than the build cost
I think that's the thing - if you can either build your own, or get a used hotbin for a decent price, then either will be totally worth it. Enjoy the composting!
Is there any concerns of the chemicals from the polystyrene leaching into your compost that is being made It looks great. I just don’t want to defect my growing organic veggies. Thank you for your programs
My idea is you could use this same design but build a wood box and insulate it on the outside so only the wood makes contact with the compost and the insulation keeps it warm from the outside
Hi! I actually did quite a lot of research before making the video around leaching of polystyrene and my findings were that extreme heating was required and at that, any levels were low. For that reason, I'm confident that the pros outweigh the cons. Hope this helps!
So, so good niall! Really ingenious design with the lids and the base, I was always intrigued to see how it all went together. Hopefully this will help a whole load of people!
Hi Niall, and everyone else, I hope someone can help me with my hot composting bin, made as instructed in this excellent video. I was really pleased with the way it turned out. I bought supplies from a well-known builders' suppliers, and chose to get 4Trade solvent-free adhesive cartridge, as pointed out at about minute 3:45. It was the only brand of solvent free they had in stock at the time. I stuck the pieces of white polystyrene together with this adhesive. Inside the house, it took about four days to harden off, which I thought was probably down to the cool temperatures at the time. Then I put it in my polytunnel with a view to helping keep up winter temperatures. There was no apparent deterioration in the hardness of the adhesive. The bin sat for a further three days, and then I filled it about half full with the required mix of stuff to start composting. The compost temperature has risen, to about 21 degrees C/70 degrees F, but unfortunately the humidity (I think) has softened the adhesive again to it's original gooey consistency, and if the bin wasn't held together with the straps, the whole thing would have collapsed. Even the two parts of the lid have separated. Has anyone else had adhesive problems? I'm not sure where to go with this one. Cleaning the existing adhesive would be bound to leave some residue between the beads of the polystyrene, which might react with any new adhesive. Has anyone any suggestions for a reliable adhesive that I can try (once the bin is empty, of course.) I'm wondering if I might have to construct a more permanent wood frame to keep the bin together. Thank you for any thoughts you have about this.
Hi! Thanks for the comment - I've been taking a bit of time to think about this. The adhesive that I use (called 'sticks like s$%^t' - you can fill in the blanks with the last word!) cures and hardens very quickly, and I've found that even after nearly 2 years of use, all of the joins have remained solid (I went and had another check!). If you're able to get hold of that specific brand of adhesive where you live, I'd recommend it. Otherwise, if not, hopefully someone in the comments would be able to recommend an alternative. That's a very odd problem that I haven't encountered and haven't heard anyone else having issues with. Really hope that you are able to find a solution, because it sounds like you were starting to have success with the compost heating up!
Thanks Niall & all! Inspired to build this :) Has anyone had trouble with the drilled holes in the bottom clogging up & so reducing airflow thru the compost?
@@niallgardens Good to hear, thanks Niall :) I noticed the commercial hotbin has a small open/close vent (flap) on the top to adjust airflow. Does your design allow airflow at the top? Loose fitting lid maybe?
Do you not get loads of liquid through holes at bottom from composting material ? If there was a tray underneath and a tap it could be collected and used as feed for plants I think..
Thank you Niall for this post. May I offer an update of my progress, I finished construction with the Correx modifications (I mentioned in my previous post) last Thursday. I added one other mod to prevent risk of water ingress via the lid thermometer I cut 2 openings of 1x2cm opposite each other just above base of noodle pot and placed it upside down over thermometer so maintained chimney effect but stop risk of rain getting in to it. I Started base layer Friday and the warmth hit me as I took lid off to feed it this morning so big thank you Niall it most definitely works. Cheers.
Sorry for replying to all your messages at once... I'm catching up! YAY!!!! It's heating up... superb! Keep me posted because I think it's going to be so successful for you. I love mine and I love it even more because I made it myself!
@@niallgardens no problem on replying all in one Niall. Temperature shown on lid thermometer this morning was touching 40!! So goodness knows what compost temperature is at moment. I really think the yoghurt pot is making a difference too.
I'm really looking for a way to do something similar whuich avoids using the unsustainable hydrocarbon based polymer. Do you think a double walled structure lined with wool insulation would work?
Hi Niall i also made your hotcomposter today and got it upto 65degs c inside in less than two weeks can you tell me how often and how much you feed your bin at the moment i can feed mine every day but i dont want it to over heat so any advice you can give would be great. Maybe worth doing another video showing the volumes and frequency of feeding the bin to keep it at max operating temperature if you can. It is going to take a lot to fill this thing to the top thats for sure
I very much appreciate this tutorial, thank you. After beginning to research it here locally (US based) I am encountering a concern that I'm wondering how you addressed. The expanded foam panels that I can purchase are not UV stable and will degrade in sunlight, and since I live in the southeast US, that is of greater concern for me. Since your video is now 2 years old, how has your composter held up to sun exposure? Would you suggest covering it in some sort of UV protecting covering? (I learned that paint won't provide that UV protection) Any feedback would be welcome. Thanks in advance.
Hi Nial and Happy new Growing Year to you and all your subscribers. I have been thinking about this for a year. I went down the bokaski route last year but I still can't produce enough compost for my small allotment. So now I think I might take the leap of faith but I wondered if you still think its a good idea?
Great tutorial Niall. I am now on the case for making one myself. Two questions though.......don't you get leachate dripping from the base of it, particularly if you get worms in there (if so you could put a tray underneath and catch it) and what brand is the adhesive you used? Thanks
Hi Niall, great video! I got a commercially available HotBin (which I love) for my last birthday. Since then, I have wondered whether a plastic free HotBin is possible maybe using wool between wood walls? What are your thoughts?
This is really helpful. I'm going to make one for sure. Unfortunately the insulation board you used is no longer available on Amazon but I've found the same size in white at Wickes but as tongue and groove. I think I'll go ahead with this and cut off the tongue and paint the polystyrene ... unless anyone else has found a suitable alternative. Thanks for posting this and for the feedback on your hot bin!
This is how a tutorial should be done. Clear, concise, no jargon, no dominating music. Thank you.
Thank you! That's such a kind comment!
Hi Niall. Great video for a simple 'hot' bin. I work in polystyrene manufacturing/recycling and one issue with the grey polystyrene (manufacturerd from a BASF granule called Neopor) is that the graphite in the beads absorbs radiant energy and so these can get very hot in full sun. I have seen packs of this EPS get hot enough to melt when covered in clear plastic. Polystyrene is made with steam just over 100°C so any exposure that gets it over about 70°C can start causing problems.
You can however make an easy low cost protection for polystyrene by stretching a stretchable mesh with about a 1mm grid like curtain mesh over it and painting with a thick coat of house paint. The combination of mesh and paint gives a stronger more impact resistant surface that is also easy to clean. I built a 'hot' bin by putting old 100mm sheets of polystyrene as a box around a $10 end of life wheelie bin. It was for a composting toilet receptacle so the use of a more rugged bin was to keep me out of the shite. We had days averaging 6°C this winter and the bins been 50 - 55°C right through. FANTASTIC!
Which brand of paint and colour did you use please?
Can you just use old packaging polystyrene? Assuming it is quite insulating.
I liked the part about cutting on the rug. In one of my books, it says, "Do not use the coffee table unless you are either single or wish to become so again." When you talked about cutting on the rug, it all came back, LOL!
Ha! I wondered if someone would pick up on that! 😂
I built the hot composter with one modification, I wrapped the entire body in builders damp proofing after construction. This added some binding strength and also a little extra protection for where it is located. I used the same impact adhesive to bid the plastic sheeting to the composters exterior and also to the top plug. I allowed a little extra on the sides to help rainwater run off over the seems without seeping into the seems between the sheets of polystyrene - and I can report that it is working as hoped. I have yet to add the thermometer - but right now its as hot as a sauna in there. Cheers for the inspiration!
I love the rain run off and other ideas. I am rubbish at building but will definitely do this. Now whats the number for Task Rabbit.
Brilliantly explained and with exactly the right amount of fear that you might damage the carpet or floor. We have all been there! Getting into trouble! Thank you sir. A touch of the David Tennant's about you!
I built this and didn't think much to be honest - then one day - I opened the lid and it was steaming - the material about 2" below the top was too hot to hold comfortably - this definitely works and the instructions are really clear - but follow them to the letter to avoid costly mistakes - the 5cm thick Jablite board from B&Q is pricey enough. Also, it is prone to tear out but easy to repair with the offcuts and glue you will have. I built 3 which gets the price down to about £40 per composter. Well done Niall for a fantastic cost effective hot composter and super easy build instructions.
Hi Niall, I made one today, following your instructions. The only difference I made, was to have the bottom part removable, so that the holes could be cleared out if they get blocked. And like you raised it up on bricks, but with a seed tray beneath the holes to catch any compost juice, which I can dilute with water to make a flower feed. Thank you for your very professional channel. And look forward to more content.
Great job! That's great that you've made one! Mine is actually the same as yours, I don't stick the bottom to the main unit for the same reason - makes it easy to clean 👍 Let me know how it goes for you - I'm sure you'll have loads of success!
Does any heat escape from your hot bin, as I wish it to double up for starting off seedlings
@@christinespragg1942 No signicant heat from what I can tell, though there must be some heat escapeing. I suppose with modification then extra some small holes could be put in the lid.
Hi Tom -question: how exactly are you collecting the juice? I would imagine that if it’s just open you’d only be getting drops at a time, which would then evaporate before you can even collect it, no? Do you have some sort of a contained system for the juice? I’m almost compelled to carve it out a bit enough for the juice to collect in the middle and drip onto a closed, small container attached to the bottom.
@@christinespragg1942 it is great that you have the initiative to make this project for multiple uses, BUT this is a COMPOSTER, which means it's main purpose is to heat up to kill seeds and seedlings. It's form is tower so core heat is at its optimal and rises through the rest of the compost, and the humidity drips back down to some and keep the process going. .. just my two cents here
For an old un, this was absolutely clear, and as a female I am going to give it a go. Thank you so much x
The video quality is through the roof! I wish all TH-camrs filmed their video's like this.
That is a really lovely comment! Thank you!
What i did was a variation to your method.
I had large wooden pallets.
Four sided with a opening section on the front.
I used polyestyrene panels similar to yours but slid them into the gap between the outer & inner pallet walls. Thus lining the pallet walls.
Put a wooden top on the compost bin and a floating polystyrene lid (sits on the top of the compost)
Result really durable compost bin (capable if taking 1.3 cubic meters full)
Applying a chaffed mix of green & brown material created with the mower i can take about .5 cubic meters every 8 weeks grom the composter.
Having the insulation i can keep a composting temp of between 60 - 80c.
Great info! Thanks!
I was just looking into buying one of the commercial ones and saw this just in time! Looking forward to the rest of the playlist to learn about how to use it properly
I made one of these after watching your video. I found a building render supplier that sells the foam sheets in varous thicknesses. The first night I filled it up a fox broke into it. I had to make a new base and repair the side but so glad I didn't buy an expensive one as the same thing would have happened! Now it's repaired I'm going to fill it again and keep it in a safer location. Would be good to cover it in wood as another person suggested, would keep the pests out! Luckily I had just enough adhesive left to make the repairs. Thanks again for posting!
Built and ready to go. I covered whole bin with ‘correx’ and also made a cover for the lid, this cover extended down over the bin by about 4” to do a descent protective job and hopefully enhance chimney effect created by the hole for thermometer. I’ve fixed some correx to inner face of the bottom foam base before drilling the air holes through all layers. Hope the above details sound ok.
Building up some more scraps before start using.
This is brilliant! So cool that you've gone for it, and made your own. I have no doubt that you're going to love it. Have enjoyed your updates - I'm playing around with the Correx myself to make an upgraded composter... could make an interesting video for everyone perhaps.
@@niallgardens does your hotbin give off any heat as I was hoping to use it to start off seedlings too
Good job. Your application to be a Blue Peter presenter has been accepted 😜
I use an old chest freezer. Been using it for yrs works fantastic..
Please elaborate
Hello Niall. Many thanks for taking the time to reply to my previous comments. Greatly appreciated.
David
You are very welcome
wow, this is excellent. I've only just come across you searching for info on tumbling composters so I watched that one and now going to make my own hot composter. Lovely having the practical info.
This may be a stupid question, but has anyone tried making one of these with an old chest freezer? I'm thinking a few strategically placed holes from outside skin to inside of the body with pipes inserted to allow air in and liquid out. The rest is pretty much already made for you. A thermally lined water proof box, with tight fitting lid and it has the added benefit of being metal clad for strength / durability. Yes you'd need to take material out through the top, rather than that little door at the lower front, but it sounds like a pretty quick, cheap, hardy solution. Time for a bit of research I think!
Simple and good. I will not overcomplicate this by explaining polystyrene electric hotstring cutting and such. But the material as XPS rigid/high density sands very well with a flat block and finer sandpaper (120-240 grit), to make the cuts smoother, prettier and less prone to edge crackings/crumbing. A youtube video on basic boat glassfiber epoxy laminate repair and a small boat store supply shopping spree later, this box can easily be made into a tough skin everlast that will outlive most shovel strokes inside and be able to endure direct UV exposure outside for many years to come. Do NOT use Polyester or Acetone on Styrene, it will spontaneously turn the plates into liquid goo. Use unthinned Lamination Epoxy.
Love it Niall! Long awaited! I bet this was a pain in the bum to produce so thanks for making the effort for all of us!
Thanks!! It's always much easier to make something when you're not having to film it at the same time! 😂
Thank you so much for sharing this build,,,I am excited to build one for my garden. I can’t wait to see how this will speed up the process ❣️❣️💕👍🏽
This looks doable for my Norwegian cool climate. I just need to find a good spot for it.
Hi Niall,
I did a variation of your method using some of the packaging that our cat and dog food arrives in - basically cellophane wrapped sheep's wool. I sealed this in 'compartments' between two sheets of polystyrene in the sides of the composter. This made the sides essentially 3 polystyrene sheets thick and reduced the internal capacity a little but still plenty big enough for our garden/kitchen waste. I'm hoping this will help maintain the internal temperature.
I have a tall bin that's for towel warming. (A Christmas gift ive never used) I'm hoping to turn it into a hot composter..
I’m just finishing mine having followed this tutorial. I’m using reclaimed, 6cm thick polystyrene plates. They don’t look as good as yours but hopefully, it will work just as fine! I have just a small garden, so I shortened the design by 20cm. Smaller volume doesn’t work well with normal composts, but that’s what I hope that the insulation will fix
Wish I’d have seen this before I shelled out for mine. It has also explained why mine is not getting hot enough. Will now enlisted a neighbour.Thanks for the info.
So glad that the video was useful. Don’t worry - although you bought one, it’ll be great and it’s a nice professional product. If you’re interested in how to really get your hotbin working, I’ve made a specific video on the best ratios of materials etc… Just have a look back on my channel page. Enjoy!
Nice video. This will be a winter project for me.
Sounds great!
what a fabulous idea ..I actually bought one ..and it is good ..but trying to find enough to fill it is a problem .the smaller version you should is ingenious
Thanks very much!
Niall just watched your hot composter tutorial. its a fantastic idea and ill be making one asap. thanks a millioon. monica
Really, really helpful and so well done! Thanks so much for this video! Excellent 💚
Thank you so much! You really helped a lot
Just found this-have seen one like it on another channel, so thought I’d look see what I could find and you came up first and I’m already subscribed but only in last year so missed this. But omg I’m gonna make one of these. Thanks
As you always say -- "Brilliant!" Watched at least three times -- I've got to do it. Thanks for the great information and it's doable.
Awesome, thank you! Glad you found it useful!
I found an old forum post today where it mentions a price of £150 for the hotbin (I assume the 200l one as that came first). Hotbin have now put their prices up again and are asking £300 for it! It's a bit of plastic! Glad I got mine second hand
Just made one of these ! Really hopeful and pleased with the clear instructions and suggestions. Thank you Naill
Reporting back after 6 months Good results and have made another one so I can turn the compost into it to speed things up even more.
Been pondering some more on a protective layer. I thought about a sheet of thin ply that’s in shed and was planning to use after a coat of weather proofing before sticking to the outside.
Then I remembered Correx’, (had used it years ago in aero modelling), think this will give decent protective layer on the styrene and a protective sheet such as correx is not expensive, think just under £5 for a 1.4m x 2.5m sheet. It won’t add too much weight and will give a good layer of protection against knocks etc so might be worth a try
I don't believe it! Great minds think alike - I just bought sheets for Correx to do exactly that! It's light, easy to work, and I think it'll do a good job... I'm planning on making a follow-up video where I 'level up' the hot composter with the Correx!
@@niallgardens I'm thinking that before drilling aeration holes in base plate I'll fix a piece (cut to size) on the inner base plate and then drill the holes through all those layers of the base.
The commercial ones allow the collection of leachate - does your leachate just go through the holes and is wasted?
I'm a bit late to the party 🎉but saw a how to by Wiltshire Man who used your method and made some tweeks. Thank you for the brilliant, easy to follow tutorial! Just finished making my hot box😊🏴
Always a pleasure to watch your videos Niall. Great composter, you made it look so easy to make, thank you 😊
So nice of you, thanks very much!
That’s the best do it yourself I’ve seen in awhile! Thank you ! Great content!
Awesome! Thank you!
Beautiful ❤
Thank you! 😊
As an extra precaution, you could make an inner plug that fits snugly on top of the composting material to lessen the heat escaping into the dead space? Nice bin by the way.
Thanks Howard and that's a good idea!
Great video with plenty of detail I I reckon I'll be giving it a go. I would suggest a tray of some sort under a raised up version to catch liquids escaping from the compost which can be either put back into the composter or fed to my plants.
That's a good idea - a tray or something similar could be very handy! If you make yourself a composter, let me know how it goes!
@@niallgardens
I attached a 75mm deep hdpe tray/tote to the bottom of mine. It has 81 x 1/4" holes drilled near the top for air intake and a 15mm tube/tap for the drain. The bins internal aeration is what you mighjt call non standard ..just for the craic :) th-cam.com/video/cr8iYC99l1M/w-d-xo.html
This is great tutorial ! I already have a hot bin which I love. My problem is with the leachate that seeps out the bottom ☹️. I’ve just bought a large square plastic tray (£6.50 from my local garden centre) and placed 4 bricks in the centre and sat the hotbin on top so liquid will hopefully collect in the tray 🤞🏻. It will be easy enough to siphon off the liquid to use 🙂. Hope this helps
Thanks Moira! Yeah I think that sounds like the best plan... saves the liquid going everywhere, plus you can reuse it. Great to see a fellow hot composter!
I am new to composting and have questions you may be able to answer. I have to "turn" my compost pile about once a week. It looks like this composter does not require turning. Am I correct? How much compost material do you put in the compost box? 25%, 50%, 75% or just fill it up? You must not fill it up if the thermometer does not touch the compost. Do you ever have to put water in the box? How long does it take to complete the compost cycle? Thanks for any help you can provide. Great video with all the facts on the build.
I've actually had a go and made it up after viewing your vid quite a few times hehe. Just waiting for the morning now to fit the base and the lid and fingers crossed it'll be a good 'un.
Thanks for the clear instructions and smooth delivery. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Owen! Well done and good luck with the compost making! I've been really happy with mine, so hopefully you'll be just as happy with yours! From your photos, it looks BRILLIANT!
@@niallgardens thanks, as I mentioned earlier the instructions you gave are so clear and straightforward. The whole thing came together really well with no fuss. I'd recommend it to anyone to have a go. Thank you once again. 👍🏼
This video is really inspiring as well as educational. I'm still bouncing between making one and buying a premade one, but if I were to build one I'd follow this guide with possibly a few additions. Maybe lining the walls with either silicone, or some sort of inert material (glass would be nice, but far too expensive). Also putting a screen over the bottom to help keep the holes cleared. A bit over engineered, but you could also build a wooden frame for it to help protect it as well as keep it ridgid, as well as making it look better. All these things are nice to haves, but your design looks like it works great without too many extra frills to over complicate things. A good springboard for the imagination. Thank you for making and posting this video.
Thanks very much, that's really cool. I like your suggestions also!
I feel like a ton of duct tape would help the rigidity.
An upturned shallow square tray with small holes would allow the air to circulate and stop the holes on the bottom getting clogged.
This year has been a really bad one in my garden for weeds like bindweed & grasses with seeds which I don't want to put in normal compost, so I'll be giving this one a go. Thanks for this clear and simple guide, which looks like it will be much cheaper than anything available commercially.
Glad you found the video useful - give it a go and let me know how it all goes for you!
@@niallgardens All done. I used 6cm 125 x 60 Ursa insulating board but it was T&G so I had to cut that off. I have propped mine on concrete blocks and sat a small mason's trug underneath so I can catch the liquid (if it doesn't dry up first!). That's made it quite tall, so I pushed the thermometer in through the gap for the hatch at the front, and it's now reading 32°C (after about 4 days). I had a reel of heavy duty plastic box strapping so I used that instead of ratchet strap, apart from the one that holds the door in place. I improvised something to stop the tape digging in to the corners. I'd post a photo but it doesn't look like I can. Thanks again for a great project.
A few of the Amazon links to buy the materials for this are not live any more, NIall. Mostly it's easy to find another seller, but the 25mm multi purpose insulation boards for the body of the hotbin are proving a problem to find. Can you suggest another option in Ireland or available to Ireland, please?
Almost finished with mine using your tutorial. Looking forward to awesome compost this year. Thanks Niall! Brilliant.
Glad it was helpful! Please do keep me posted with how you get on!
Nice tutorial, and build. An alternative would be to use rockwool or basalt panels, instead of the plastic ones. A more natural and sturdier insulating panel. Also a more air permeable material, so a vapor barrier would be needed for the sides and top, but perhaps no drilled holes on the bottom, other than for leachate.
Great video! Building mine as we speak. The '25mm Multi Purpose Insulation Boards Floor Wall Roof & Underfloor Heating (12)' boards are fairly fragile, I wonder if anyone has found a supplier for EPP foam? It's the same stuff Hotbin use to make their bins. I'm tempted to skin the inside of the bin with the blue damp proof sheet for an extra bit of durability.
Why don't you glue the base on? I have built one and the sides by the door are opening out with the pressure. I think I might try and glue this in the summer
hi where did you buy the polystyrene board? having trouble finding it.. thanks
Very very good, well done young man..
Hi Niall, I have made 2 hot composters based on your design, but unfortunately neither have been successful, although when first stocked both composters reach temperatures of 50 to 90 degrees C they soon cool down, I’ve attempted to turn the compost but they just stay at the ambient temperature, weeks have gone by but I’ve certainly not got a usable compost, would appreciate some help please, John
You sir are an absolute genius, thank you so much
No problem! So chuffed that you like it!
That looks very doable Niall - great video. Will definitely explore doing this form of composting. It’s not something we’re familiar with in our part of Australia. Love the idea of how quickly we can get usable compost! Thanks for the information.
Glad it was helpful! Yeah it as new to me when I came across it last winter but I'm a TOTAL convert now!
.Hello, there. I think it looks great. Very clean cut in design and practical and looks like a modern concrete/ gray stone, work of art/? Just one thing: does it have to be tall? I would like to have it shorter and longer ie, height reduced and about 4 x the width. One section of my upper, top-level Terrace is small and on the east side with lots of trees blocking the morning sun. The spot designated receives about 4 hours of midday sun which can get hot, but then it is reflected light for another 4 hours. There is not much free air flow owing to a dividing wall which has a small section at ground level of about 10 cms of unblocked access to the neighbour's Terrace creating a free flow of air. I want to use something like this for recycling used-soil from large plant containers plus adding kitchen scraps to sort of break down as compost. My wish is to leave it open in summer to plant a bit of sweet-corn and some Pumpkins and melons on the top of the composting area and then, closing it up for our long cold winters of 6 mths. This smaller section of the Terrace is about in width, the same length as those polystyrene sheets you used. To be able to close it all up in winter for hot composting would be ideal, from my point of view. What do you think?
In keeping with the worry of leaching of toxic chemicals into a compost; every thought of cork sheeting? May need to line the inside though if it breaks down/ or rebuild it every so often.
Is this foam board and glue non-toxic? I would really like to make one but I’m concerned with the possibility that the foam board would leach into my precious compost. Great video…I found you today from a Huw Richards video. You make it easy to follow along with your instructions. I’m in the USA about 3 hours south of Chicago and we’ll be getting more snow again this week. Thanks for the info!
Hi Susan! Thanks for the comment. I did quite a lot of research before making the video around leaching of polystyrene and my findings were that extreme heating was required and at that, any levels were low. For that reason, I'm confident that the pros outweigh the cons. Hope this helps!
Hi Niall, Thank you for an excellent video workshop. I built one over a year ago and was delighted with the results. Unfortunately, I discovered rats had eaten through the back wall and made their nest among the lovely warm compost. I am now building a new one and intend wrapping it in strong small square wire. Has anyone else had this problem? MB Australia
I was wondering about varmints eating their way in
Thanks for this, Niall! I've made one and it works! Can't believe that half-rotten apples, kitchen scraps, grass clippings and some weeds create some much heat!!! Reached 60C in about 3 days!!! Mine is actually 7cm thick, with top and bottom double that, of course, as these were the insulation boards I got off FB marketplace for under a tenner. A steal, right?
This is such good news! I'm honestly delighted that you've made one and that it's working well for you! And yes, you bagged yourself a proper bargain there!
Well done, I intend to make a solar composter some time. Have some ideas.
Sounds great!
Exactly what I was looking for. Good Job Niall. subbed :-)
Brilliant tutorial, Niall. This is now an addition to my to-do list🌱🌱🌱
Glad it was helpful! Hopefully you have success with it
I’m so excited to get one of these started
Let me know how you get on with it!
I found insulation with silver foil to be much more durable, you need the 50mm stuff. Unfortunately it does still bow over time so a few extra cam straps will be. Needed, and a plywood base. To be honest, I managed to buy a used hotbin for £100.00, which was less than the build cost
I think that's the thing - if you can either build your own, or get a used hotbin for a decent price, then either will be totally worth it. Enjoy the composting!
Thank you Niall I haven't started my wheelie bin core one yet this was just the inspiration I needed
Great to hear! Keep me posted!
Is there any concerns of the chemicals from the polystyrene leaching into your compost that is being made It looks great. I just don’t want to defect my growing organic veggies. Thank you for your programs
My idea is you could use this same design but build a wood box and insulate it on the outside so only the wood makes contact with the compost and the insulation keeps it warm from the outside
Hi! I actually did quite a lot of research before making the video around leaching of polystyrene and my findings were that extreme heating was required and at that, any levels were low. For that reason, I'm confident that the pros outweigh the cons. Hope this helps!
What a brilliant video, totally inspired to make one, I'm Googling the boards already! Dreading the squeaky cutting though 😱 Thank you😃🌻
The squeaky cutting is the fun bit!! I kinda love that! lol
😂
So, so good niall! Really ingenious design with the lids and the base, I was always intrigued to see how it all went together. Hopefully this will help a whole load of people!
Thank you! Cheers! Yeah it's simple and I've found it to be really effective... a year on and my first one is still going strong!
This seems like my kind of project, heh. I think i'd enjoy making it more than using it, given I prefer the indoors.
Great idea and great video. Thanks for sharing. Just wondering if there is any danger of it going on fire in the hot summer months?
If you have a jig-saw I'd recommend that for cutting. Very fast and clean
Nice idea - I like it!
Has it lasted/worked as I’m thinking of making this. Also thankyou for making the tutorial.
Hi Niall, and everyone else, I hope someone can help me with my hot composting bin, made as instructed in this excellent video.
I was really pleased with the way it turned out. I bought supplies from a well-known builders' suppliers, and chose to get 4Trade solvent-free adhesive cartridge, as pointed out at about minute 3:45. It was the only brand of solvent free they had in stock at the time.
I stuck the pieces of white polystyrene together with this adhesive. Inside the house, it took about four days to harden off, which I thought was probably down to the cool temperatures at the time. Then I put it in my polytunnel with a view to helping keep up winter temperatures. There was no apparent deterioration in the hardness of the adhesive. The bin sat for a further three days, and then I filled it about half full with the required mix of stuff to start composting.
The compost temperature has risen, to about 21 degrees C/70 degrees F, but unfortunately the humidity (I think) has softened the adhesive again to it's original gooey consistency, and if the bin wasn't held together with the straps, the whole thing would have collapsed. Even the two parts of the lid have separated. Has anyone else had adhesive problems?
I'm not sure where to go with this one. Cleaning the existing adhesive would be bound to leave some residue between the beads of the polystyrene, which might react with any new adhesive. Has anyone any suggestions for a reliable adhesive that I can try (once the bin is empty, of course.) I'm wondering if I might have to construct a more permanent wood frame to keep the bin together.
Thank you for any thoughts you have about this.
Hi! Thanks for the comment - I've been taking a bit of time to think about this. The adhesive that I use (called 'sticks like s$%^t' - you can fill in the blanks with the last word!) cures and hardens very quickly, and I've found that even after nearly 2 years of use, all of the joins have remained solid (I went and had another check!). If you're able to get hold of that specific brand of adhesive where you live, I'd recommend it. Otherwise, if not, hopefully someone in the comments would be able to recommend an alternative. That's a very odd problem that I haven't encountered and haven't heard anyone else having issues with. Really hope that you are able to find a solution, because it sounds like you were starting to have success with the compost heating up!
@@niallgardens
Toolstation sells it, Evostick sticks like sh*t turbo, £7.99. Their Stixall clear adhesive/sealant is pretty good too.
I've made one, so lets see how it goes, thank you for the tips
Oh fantastic!! Good on ya! Make sure to keep me posted in the comments and let me know how it goes for you! 👍
Thanks Niall & all! Inspired to build this :) Has anyone had trouble with the drilled holes in the bottom clogging up & so reducing airflow thru the compost?
Not that I know of - the odd one will clog now and then, but I haven't found any negative impact to the overall airflow
@@niallgardens Good to hear, thanks Niall :) I noticed the commercial hotbin has a small open/close vent (flap) on the top to adjust airflow. Does your design allow airflow at the top? Loose fitting lid maybe?
Love this
Do you not get loads of liquid through holes at bottom from composting material ? If there was a tray underneath and a tap it could be collected and used as feed for plants I think..
Just lovin you Niall! I’m always so inspired :))
Thanks so much! That's really kind! ❤️
Thank you Niall for this post. May I offer an update of my progress, I finished construction with the Correx modifications (I mentioned in my previous post) last Thursday. I added one other mod to prevent risk of water ingress via the lid thermometer I cut 2 openings of 1x2cm opposite each other just above base of noodle pot and placed it upside down over thermometer so maintained chimney effect but stop risk of rain getting in to it. I Started base layer Friday and the warmth hit me as I took lid off to feed it this morning so big thank you Niall it most definitely works. Cheers.
Sorry for replying to all your messages at once... I'm catching up!
YAY!!!! It's heating up... superb! Keep me posted because I think it's going to be so successful for you. I love mine and I love it even more because I made it myself!
@@niallgardens no problem on replying all in one Niall. Temperature shown on lid thermometer this morning was touching 40!! So goodness knows what compost temperature is at moment. I really think the yoghurt pot is making a difference too.
If you see this intervision, can you explain where you used the yoghurt pot?
@@gingertom64 on top of bin cover over the thermometer
Do the air holes in the base get blocked with the compost and/or worms? Would it help to have some kind of netting on the base to prevent that?
I'm really looking for a way to do something similar whuich avoids using the unsustainable hydrocarbon based polymer. Do you think a double walled structure lined with wool insulation would work?
Thank you so much, been wanting to make my own \hot Composter for ages.
Glad I could help!
Many thanks for this video!
Sounds great might try this.
Thanks! Please do!
Hi Niall i also made your hotcomposter today and got it upto 65degs c inside in less than two weeks can you tell me how often and how much you feed your bin at the moment i can feed mine every day but i dont want it to over heat so any advice you can give would be great. Maybe worth doing another video showing the volumes and frequency of feeding the bin to keep it at max operating temperature if you can. It is going to take a lot to fill this thing to the top thats for sure
I very much appreciate this tutorial, thank you. After beginning to research it here locally (US based) I am encountering a concern that I'm wondering how you addressed. The expanded foam panels that I can purchase are not UV stable and will degrade in sunlight, and since I live in the southeast US, that is of greater concern for me. Since your video is now 2 years old, how has your composter held up to sun exposure? Would you suggest covering it in some sort of UV protecting covering? (I learned that paint won't provide that UV protection) Any feedback would be welcome. Thanks in advance.
Hi Nial and Happy new Growing Year to you and all your subscribers. I have been thinking about this for a year. I went down the bokaski route last year but I still can't produce enough compost for my small allotment. So now I think I might take the leap of faith but I wondered if you still think its a good idea?
Great tutorial Niall. I am now on the case for making one myself. Two questions though.......don't you get leachate dripping from the base of it, particularly if you get worms in there (if so you could put a tray underneath and catch it) and what brand is the adhesive you used? Thanks
This is great do you still need to turn the compost?
Going to make one myself thanks for the tips
Great!
Hi Niall, great video! I got a commercially available HotBin (which I love) for my last birthday. Since then, I have wondered whether a plastic free HotBin is possible maybe using wool between wood walls? What are your thoughts?
Great video, easy to follow instructions! I love your ruler with the handle!
Glad you liked it! Thanks very much! Yeah the ruler is VERY handy!
Great video Niall, have two composters in my allotment, its so handy to have ones own. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Lorraine! I've now got two composters having made the video! 😂😂😂
@@niallgardens that's good to hear. Plenty composting
@@niallgardens the bustaseed tray arrived. Thrilled, its such durable plastic. Delighted,thanks again. Put as my profile pic for pr for them.
This is really helpful. I'm going to make one for sure. Unfortunately the insulation board you used is no longer available on Amazon but I've found the same size in white at Wickes but as tongue and groove. I think I'll go ahead with this and cut off the tongue and paint the polystyrene ... unless anyone else has found a suitable alternative. Thanks for posting this and for the feedback on your hot bin!
Glad that you enjoyed the video and found it useful - that sounds like a good plan in terms of the materials you've been able to source 👍
Not sure if it’s been asked below, but is there any risk of rodents being drawn to the composter?
Great video. How did it stand up in the outdoor weather? Also ever though of introducing a copper coil with water to create a biomeilier?