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Hello All,

We have 2 compost bins in our back garden and they have been sat in a nice sunny spot, working very hard for us. Mr Grubbysoles now wants to relocate them to a shady, hidden part of the garden, down the back, out of sight, under some trees. It is very cool down there and I'm worried that they won't be as productive as they are in the sunny spot that they're in at the moment.

Does anyone know if this will make a difference? Will they slow down if we put them in the shady, cool bit at the back of the garden, or will it not make any difference? I throw a lot of soiled chicken bedding in there every day so I need them at maximum efficiency!

Any advice would be lovely....

Hello grubs! ....... if you think about it logically, then a compost heap looks after itself, irrespective of exposure to the elements. Tho' i s'pose that if it's in a sheltered location then you may need to add water to compensate for lack of rainfall. Don't forget that there is an "art/science" to building a heap........ piling up layers of grass-cuttings,trimmings,kitchen waste etc. Good luck.

Here's a good set of composting instructions and they work for me. The site suggested is sunny or semi-shaded. You do need sun to keep the heat working. May I suggest that you tell the respected Sir that his idea is unacceptable to the head of the household (your good self of course) and perhaps it would be better if he left well alone. Well in whatever words will persuade him to agree with you (for he is wrong I fear but you do have to deal with his ego of course )

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Cheeky old Mr Grubby pulled a cruel stunt. I popped into hospital last weekend to have a baby (as you do) - and he took my absence as his opportunity to defy me and move the compost bins into the shade!! I shall delight in them not rotting down very quickly and subsequently having to make him move them back again!!! Until that time, though, I'll just have to try to get a good mix of layers in there to try to keep it going.

Dear Grubbysoles,

We have one composter in full sun and one in shade. Both work, but the sunburnt one rots down at twice the rate of the shaded.

Congratulations on the giving birth bit you mentioned. What flavour of offspring?

Love and Peace
Jim

Thanks Jim,

Pink offspring (Nya Elsie Rose). Prefers full shade