In-Ground Composter

• Neat modern appearance

• Ideal for garden, raised planter beds and greenhouses

• Easy-to-use; Doesn't need special worms

A neat modern composter that is ideal for use in the garden, raised garden beds, and in the greenhouse.

The container is simply placed into the ground and then filled with fruit and vegetable scraps, and other biodegradable waste. The design allows earthworms and other soil microorganisms already in the soil to move freely in and out of the container so they can transform the waste into rich compost.   

Any liquid produced as a result of the composting process or worm activity simply leaches out and nourishes the surrounding soil in the process. The compost produced can be removed and mixed into your soil or added to potting mixes.

The composter consists of a lid with a handle, an elastic band to secure the lid, and a top and bottom section that click together. The total volume is 12 litres.

Dimensions: 48cm high x 27cm diameter.

How to Assemble Your Composter

1. Click the top section into the bottom section.
2. Thread the elastic band through one of the holes in the top section and secure it with a knot.
3. Place the lid onto the top section and secure it by stretching the elastic band over the top and hooking it over the lug on the other side.
4. NB: It is important to keep the lid secured with the elastic band to prevent the lid blowing off in strong winds and to keep rodents out of the container.

How to Use Your Composter

1. Choose where to place your composter; either in the vegetable garden, in a raised planter bed, or in the greenhouse.
2. Dig a hole in the soil approximately 20cm wide and 35cm deep.
3. Place the assembled composter into the soil up to the wider part of the upper section.
4. Chop your fruit and vegetable scraps, and other biowaste into smaller pieces so that it will break down more easily.
5. Earthworms occur naturally in the soil and will find this waste and start to feed on it and break it down.

What Can Go Into Your Composter

• Vegetable and fruit peelings and scraps.
• Leftover boiled vegetables.
• Paper tea bags.
• Small amounts of coffee grounds and coffee filters.
• Finely crushed egg shells.
• Dry bread.
• Chopped up plant material.
• Separate the layers with brown material such as torn-up egg cartons, straw, dry leaves, newspaper and sawdust.
• Tip: Cutting larger pieces into smaller pieces helps earthworms process them faster and better and also helps prevent mould.

What Can't Go Into Your Composter

• Foods with strong flavours like ginger, citrus, chilli and garlic.
• Dairy products.
• Meat products.
• Bones.
• Oil, lard and other fats.
• Tip: Avocado skins contain oils so it's best to keep them out of the composter.

Where to Place Your Composter

In raised garden beds, vegetable gardens, and greenhouses. It should not start to smell if you follow the guidelines about what can and cannot go into the composter. The composter is designed for year-round use, so doesn't need to be lifted over winter. Earthworms will burrow deeper in the ground or warm up near decaying waste. Compost decomposes more slowly, and earthworms process less biowaste, when it is cold, so take care not to overfill your composter during winter.

How to Use Compost Produced by Your Composter

Compost contains active enzymes and plant growth hormones, along with other beneficial soil microorganisms. Mix it into your garden soil or add it to home-blended potting mixes.

Maintenance and Cleaning

This is an outdoor container that doesn't need any special maintenance. If you do want to clean it, simply disassemble the container, wash all parts in warm soapy water, then rinse thoroughly and dry well.

Product code: GDP755