If you enjoyed this video, please share it on your social media and let other people know about it. It helps grow the channel and build the community! Thanks so much! Niall
@pip9119
4 жыл бұрын
I wish I'd found yours back in May when I came up with the same idea to make my own hot composter - but if this helps, I have made a very robust one. I was lucky in having all the materials already - a sturdy wheelie bin my mother no longer needed (she had to buy it for clinical waste, then luckily had an operation that meant she no longer produced clinical waste), Celotex insulation, Thermowrap insulating roll, and expanded foam workshop flooring tiles. I cut a door out near the bottom of the front, put in a suspended floor of pierced stainless sheeting (also had it lying around, long story), with a water butt tap to drain the space below and act as a ventilation valve. I also drilled some ventilation holes in the back above the wheels. I stuck a layer of Celotex all over the bin with spray contact adhesive (left over from a boat project), then a layer of Thermowrap, then the expanded rubber floor tiles. I insulated the lid and cut-out door, and hold the door closed with a luggage strap wrapped round the bin. It looks surprisingly smart and can be moved around if needed. I followed the instructions for getting it going on the commercial site, and was running at 65 degrees Celsius within two days, and at several stages had to cool the thing down as it was running too hot (closed the drain tap, left the lid open). I am on my second batch since May, and the best thing about the drainage space and tap is that I seem to be producing at least 8 litres of dark rich liquid feed with each batch, and it is a way of controlling the wetness. I had to reinforce the supports for the suspended floor (collapsed from the weight of the fist batch), which I did using the carcases of four defunct metal workshop electrical sockets turned face down to hold the floor up. The best thing for turning it is a three-pronged pitchfork, but a golf putter (retrieved from the metal bin at the tip) isn't bad, either. Sorry to rattle on and thank you for great videos!
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Hi! That’s really interesting to hear how you designed your own - and it’s great to hear that you’ve had success also! It feels like such a win doesn’t it? If I had access to a wheelie bin I’d be very tempted to give it a go! 👍👍👍
@bigchrisrogers
Ай бұрын
Thanks Niall. I watched your video on how to make this and followed your instructions pretty much. I managed to get hold of some four inch thick expanded polystyrene sheet so used that to make a bin of pretty much the same dimensions internally as yours. Filled it all up in one go with garden clippings and some sticks and trimmings and lots of shredded cardboard and gave it a good mix two days later it's at 60 degrees centigrade and running really well. The soil where I am is very sandy as we are near the beach and this compost will really be useful for crops in the months to come. Thanks.
@isobelmcallister8886
2 жыл бұрын
So happy to have found you, thanks to a very nice schoolteacher in Canada. I'm in Barra, to the north of you in Scotland's Western Isles. Loving all the info and the production values, you're so enthusiastic and articulate, it's a real pleasure. Thanks for inviting us into your lovely home and garden.
@niallgardens
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Isobel! Oh wow, Barra is somewhere I'm longing to visit (I have a minor obsession with Scotland AND islands!). Really glad you're enjoying the videos so much!
@jasminelouisefarrall
2 жыл бұрын
I love composting especially my leaf 🍁 one and I’m just getting into the hot compost, so this video is just what I need 🌸🦋🌸
@francesbell7857
3 жыл бұрын
Well done! I have a posh purchased one and yours is doing as well or better. In the outside it takes about 4 months or 2 in summer.
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much Frances!
@EugeneShamshurin
3 жыл бұрын
Really good walk-through, mate!
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@gailthornbury291
3 жыл бұрын
I bought a secondhand tumbler composter very cheaply and it churns out compost about every three weeks in summer and four weeks in winter. Kitchen waste, chicken litter and poop, grass, coffee grounds, old plants. It composts everything really well. I turn it every day or two and usually store the compost in builders bags to mature up a bit. Sometimes I’ll add a handful of compost worms to the builders bag if I think it will be a few months before I use it. I fill it all at once and store the next lot of ingredients in a plastic bin. It heats to 50 centigrade for four or five days usually. When it’s cooled down it’s time to start anew batch. I like the idea of putting it in the polytunnel in winter to help it along.
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Gail! Thanks for the message and really cool to hear how you're getting on with the compost tumbler. I have one that I got on freecycle and have been giving it a go for the last couple of months. Great that you're having success with it 👍 My experiences have been a little mixed with it so far (pardon the pun!) but I'm going to try a few batches before I make a final decision. There's nothing better than making your own compost though is there?
@jacquelinekilcoyne6743
Жыл бұрын
Very informative, thanks Niall
@marlana-patricepughhamer229
2 жыл бұрын
Thank You! I am beginner so this video is really great!
@niallgardens
2 жыл бұрын
You're so welcome! Glad you found it valuable!
@andrewbunn775
3 жыл бұрын
Great video, made my own version this week out of an insulated shipping crate. 60 degrees within 48 hours air temp is as low as 2 degrees on a night. Regarding getting it going (heated) put a hot water bottle in the centre as you fill it up I filled mine in one go may not be everyones case.
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear you’ve had success! Well done!
@Al12Al1
2 жыл бұрын
Good video Niall. Purchased one the of proprietary hot composters last week and to your point the greens really help increase the temperature when it dips. Cheers alan
@eliandkate
4 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video and I wish I was as brave as you to make my own!!!
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Eli! It'd be no bother to ya! It was easier than I'd expected - the tricky bit was researching and shopping around online to find the bits I needed, like the cam straps. The proof of the pudding will be when I open it! Fingers crossed!
@LauraMichelGreenRaven
3 жыл бұрын
Great info.
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@helentempleton1960
4 жыл бұрын
Absolutely fascinating Niall. And so professional.
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much Helen! Really chuffed that you watched and enjoyed it!
@tashasgran
Жыл бұрын
I bought a mini hotbin as I don’t get too much waste. I find shredded corrugated card the better than paper..
@jodyrozin9220
25 күн бұрын
This is fantastic. Will it work in minus 23 Celsius?
@loulouE1980
3 жыл бұрын
Great video... So glad I found it whilst looking to buy one. Love a DIY project xx One Question: the bark you add can that be shredded woody material from spring pruning?
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, absolutely! Basically it's just there to add some bulk and aeration to it (plus an element of carbon I suppose), so shredded woody materials will be perfect!
@ARodfoto
4 жыл бұрын
Really like the valuable and good quality content you are providing.
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Cheers Adam! Glad you like it... I’m loving making them! Will check out what you’re doing on your channel also! 👍
@ARodfoto
4 жыл бұрын
Niall Gardens thanks Niall!
@katiesvegpatch
Жыл бұрын
We bought the hotbin because we moved to a borough where the council don't collect food waste separately and it now feels weird to put food in the bin. We have had pretty mixed results - it always seems to end up going anaerobic even though we're putting in plenty of browns and bulking. We've had to turf it out into the compost heap twice now as it stank. Also, a fox or similar has recently chewed through the top of it to try to get at the food (only to be met by the charcoal filter.) Will keep persevering but we never seem to get to that magical phase when we can just take compost from the bottom - and it's slower than our normal compost pile!
@niallgardens
Жыл бұрын
Aw no that's such a shame that you're having difficulties. Interestingly, I have heard from other people I know that they have the same problems with the hot composters that can be bought. My suggestion is loads and loads of shredded paper - like WAY more than you'd ever imagine necessary. It breaks down so well and helps deal with the moisture issues. Hope that helps!
@rimantasdanilevicius6754
Жыл бұрын
2 question: Some talks that need to add some water after you add a new batch of compost. Do you add water? Why not to add more small holes on the side of composter container in order to allow more air?
@sophiahava818
Жыл бұрын
I wanted to know exactly how to make one, for Brasil
@JBNat
4 жыл бұрын
Hey man! Great video on composting. Would love to recreate one of these but the main issue I have is badgers and foxes digging through my allotment compost heaps! Think they would tear up polystyrene like butter! Really incredible production on your channel, especially that intro. Do you have a background in film making at all?? Seems like you have a nice camera. Wish you success with the new channel, have subscribed and I'm looking forward to more!
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Hey! Thanks so much for the comments and for the subscribe! 👍 I know what you mean about the polystyrene getting damaged - you could always build the same hot composter but then ‘clad’ it with something like plastic or thin wood sheeting? Glad you like the production... I’ve actually never made videos before this, though I do have a good camera because I’ve done a little bit of photography as a hobby. I’ve been wanting to make a channel for a long time so I’ve been watching a lot of online tutorials!! Thanks again - will check out your channel now!
@JBNat
4 жыл бұрын
@@niallgardens that's amazing that you don't have a production background, seriously high quality stuff. You've inspired me to try and shoot a better intro soon. Can I ask what camera you're using? I keep nearly buying a Canon M50 but they are not cheap! On the composter, I think a badger will happily tear though just about anything other than concrete. Maybe I could build a similar design with breeze blocks if I happen to find some hahaha
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah I use a Sony A7Riii - it's a superb video camera, though I didn't buy it for that reason, that was just a nice extra! I got it for landscape photography 📸 Do you have an instragram / twitter / facebook account and then I can send you a DM?
@JBNat
4 жыл бұрын
@@niallgardens amazing, thanks for letting me know. I think my KZitem channel has a business email on there which would be the best way to get in touch! :)
@peterhendriks1972
Жыл бұрын
Hi Niall, The bark chip don’t break down, right? So you can sift them out and use them again? Greetings from Holland
@behornet100
4 жыл бұрын
Niall well done you’re saved yourself €200 it looks great. How long did / does it take to warm up.
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Cheer Barry! A bit like the commercially available ones, you need a decent depth of material before it'll start to heat up. I found that once I had about 18 inches or so, then when I added soft green materials the temperature would rise. Realistically, I'd say that took about 4-5 weeks, which coincided with Spring kicking in and having much more material being produced from the garden. Like I say in the video, I also put the composter in my polytunnel to give it the best chance of getting going which will have helped in the cool Irish climate.
@joffbeck1
Жыл бұрын
Hi Niall. Great video on how to make one. How did you get away with doing it in the conservatory!! I'd be hung out to dry if I tried that. Mines been in the garage. I've done all the cutting out but having trouble sourcing the correct glue. Lot's of glues state they are good for use wirh EPS, but all seem to also say "must be used with one surface being porous" e.g. for sticking polystyrene coving. One website suggected using PVA AKA wood glue. Any thoughts/suggestions.
@LauraMichelGreenRaven
3 жыл бұрын
Any concerns about chemicals from the insulation leaching into the compost? Especially with the high heat. Laura's
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
I personally don't have any concerns - I did quite a lot of research prior to making it around potential leaching at high temperatures. However, what I found was that this only occurred at temperatures higher than I've achieved in the composter.
@duke6015
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Niall, I watched your video about building your own hot compost bin, which was absolutely brilliant and definitely something I’m going to do. I was just wondering if you had had any thoughts on a design whereby you would be able to tap off the compost liquid for use as liquid fertiliser? Obviously with the holes you’ve drilled in the bottom for aeration, all your liquid is going to drain out through those and potentially be lost. Could the aeration holes be drilled low down on the sides thus allowing for the liquid to collect at the bottom and be tapped off? I would appreciate your thoughts. Many thanks, Duncan
@marcink8472
3 жыл бұрын
Great stuff! Ideal for my kitchen waste. And in my opinion spending £150-£200 on composter is just crazy... Just not sure how did you designed you catch tray? Is your box just sitting on the wooden pallets and "compost tea" drip down to some container? How removal tray works? Is your bottom tray just polystyrene with drilled holes? What is the minimum waste to keep it working? Thank you
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yeah I don't worry about creating a drip tray or anything like that - I simply have the composter sitting slightly raised off the ground. That way it allows more airflow through the holes in the base. In terms of minimum waste, I found that it took about 12 inches or so of waste to get going. I collected and kept this so that I could essentially add this into the composter in one go. Then mixed it with some cut grass to really get things firing. You might be interested in today's video!... I've just made an in-depth how-to on how to build my homemade hot composter! Check it out!
@marcink8472
3 жыл бұрын
@@niallgardens I will definitely check it out.
@MusicallyFly
4 жыл бұрын
How is the compost being aerated?
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
This is one of the great things about hot composting... you don’t need to turn it over and aerate it to the same degree. The bottom of the composter has holes which serve to allow air in that’ll be pulled in as heat rises (and let’s liquids out). Each time I add more material, I give the top 5/6 inches a bit of a stir to incorporate that new stuff. After that, it’s fine to let the layers just break down - so that’s all it requires - super handy!
@wobblybob7029
4 жыл бұрын
Hello Niall do you think insulting the outside of a wheelie bin with Expanded Polystyrene sheets would be more durable and heat up the same cant afford a premade one and have a spare wheelie bin
@niallgardens
4 жыл бұрын
Hi! Yeah I think that's absolutely doable. Ultimately as long as you create an insulated box you should be able to have success. I would say you'd just need to have a think about insulating the top of the bin as well, and ensuring that you have drainage / air flow from the bottom. Good luck!
@wobblybob7029
4 жыл бұрын
@@niallgardens thank you ,i will let you know how i get on
@poshest5
Жыл бұрын
@@niallgardens How did you achieve air flow? I didn't see any holes or other ventilation in your design.
@pinballwizard6906
10 ай бұрын
✌️😎
@alisonfaulkner2520
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing, I'm keen to try to built this DIY project. I'm having difficulty finding the correct polystyrene product. Any chance you can include the brand you used on this project. The one I'm finding is pink in color and that just will not due for me. Thanks!
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
Sure! If you click on the link in the video description of my 'how to make your own hot composter' video, it'll take you to my kit page, there's a section with all the bits and bobs I used to make my composter. kzitem.info/news/bejne/xYZoloCheox7fJg
@deanspencer13
3 жыл бұрын
Is an activator not necessary
@niallgardens
3 жыл бұрын
No it’s not actually necessary and that’s one of the great things about it - the naturally occurring bacteria and fungi on the plant and food material that’s being added into the composter is sufficient to kickstart the whole process!
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