RARITYARare
Composter
Compost is the free engine of a garden: kitchen and garden waste in, next year's soil out. A closed bin runs hotter and faster than an open heap, and keeps the rats out.
Value Ratio
9.0/10
Versatility
6.5/10
Impact
7.5/10
Durability
8.0/10
Difficulty
2.0/10
Recommended FormClosed bin, 400–600 L, lid + base mesh
Best UsedOn open soil, half-shade
ImportanceHigh
DifficultyBeginner
Kitchen scrapsGrass and leavesGarden wasteCardboard
Keep outMeat and dairyCooked foodDiseased plants
Hotter, faster than an open heap
Free soil from your scraps
Waste to fill, all year
Sealed base, no rats
Core heat40–70°C
Ready8–16 weeks
Mix1 wet : 2 dry
- Raised Garden BedShelter & Build
Stand it on bare soil, not paving; worms work up from below and a base mesh keeps rats out.
Too wet and airless it turns to slime and stinks; turn it and add dry material like leaves or cardboard.
A cold, half-empty bin barely heats; it needs volume and a mix to get hot.
A true insulated 'thermo' bin only earns its price if you compost through cold winters; a plain closed bin is fine otherwise.