As reviewed by Lauran
(Buckinghamshire-based Allotment Gardener and Small Business Owner)
Introduction
For over 20 years, composting has been a significant part of my life. It started as a necessity when I first got my allotment plot and evolved into a passion intertwined with my love for the environment, gardening and my small business, where I produce a range of jams, chutneys, and condiments from home-grown produce. I started using the HOTBIN Mega, in July 2022 and it has turned out to be a remarkable addition to the allotment, so much so that I have just purchased a HOTBIN Mini for use at home.
HOTBIN Mega: My First Impressions
As someone who visits the allotment several times a week during the spring and summer, I found the HOTBIN Mega perfectly suited to my routine. Whether it was green waste from the plot or the occasional grass cuttings, it all went into the bin. The best part? I didn’t have to meticulously balance green and brown materials. The HOTBIN took it all – weeds, woodier items, you name it.
The Convenience of HOT Composting
The convenience of the HOTBIN Mega has made all the difference. It required no turning or aerating, a huge relief for someone with a busy schedule like mine. My allotment waste just kept on composting down, freeing up more space for even more of my green waste. I was a little concerned with vermin initially as I have seen evidence of mice and rats at my allotment (eating fallen apples etc.), however in the last 12 months I never faced any issues with pests around the HOTBIN.
Using the HOTBIN Mega hasn't just been about producing good compost; It's allowed me to compost woodier materials (which had been chopped up with the shears), reducing the need to burn waste or transport it home to dispose of in my council garden waste bin at home. The bin’s ability to handle a year's worth of waste from my two plots has really impressed me.
Top Tip: Have a pair of garden shears close by to give bigger/woodier items a rough chop!
Low Maintenance Compost Bin
Admittedly, I didn't pay much attention to the thermometer on the lid. The bin was always warm, and the composting process seemed uninterrupted, so I focused on what I do best – gardening. The HOTBIN was, in every sense, low maintenance. Even during autumn/winter, when I added waste less frequently, it actively continued composting albeit a little slower than in the summer.
Odour-Free Composting
The moisture level in the bin seemed to naturally balance itself, with the heap only once requiring a bit of water after a spell of particularly warm weather. As for odours? None at all, just an earthy, natural aroma which you would expect when the majority of waste is green and plant based. For me this was quick and easy composting without the common hassles.
Harvesting the Compost: A Pleasant Surprise
When it came to harvesting the compost, I was pleasantly surprised. I had delayed this task, expecting it to be laborious. To my relief, it was straightforward. The top extension section of the bin easily came apart. The compost was a moist, fine material, much like what you'd buy in a store.
The quality of the compost was beyond my expectations. Even tough materials like bramble and sweetcorn stems had broken down beautifully. I ended up with about 10 wheelbarrow loads of this rich compost, which I spread across my allotment to nourish the soil for the next growing season.
Final Thoughts: Fast and Efficient Composting
For anyone with lots of green waste debating the investment in a large compost bin definitely consider the HOTBIN Mega and go for it. It’s a Tardis that can take whatever you throw at it! Plus it's neat and tidy, doesn’t need turning or any maintenance and when you are ready to harvest just lift the wall sections away and Tah Dah, lovely compost.
It's a great solution for gardeners with more waste who value both efficiency and sustainability. HOTBIN is my new partner down on the allotment, aiding me in my ongoing quest for an even greener business and a more sustainable way of life.
I am very excited to see the benefits of this rich compost on my plants and soil.