Seeking best plot for letting stuff rot

Does it matter where I place my compost heap? – Marcus, Disley, Cheshire DAVID: Material breaks down more quickly in a warm spot, but try to avoid full sun.

Partial shade is ideal, sheltered from colder winds and with good air circulation. It should be easily accessible or you won’t use it.

If your compost bin is open at the base then don’t place it near trees or vines, as they can sneak their roots in to steal nutrients. immersed in water or you’ll risk the roots rotting.

This helps in several ways. There is enough moisture for the plants to draw up as they need it.

The evaporating water also creates a lovely humid climate – and plants naturally benefit from each other’s company.

Finally, reflection off the bath’s sides maximises natural light.

Moving outside, it’s a good idea to get right up to date with garden jobs before you go. Tidy the lawn, weed and water beds and borders, and give the garden a general tidy up.

Removing troublesome weeds is of double benefit: They suck moisture and nutrients from the soil, and it’ll stop them seeding while you’re away.

By deadheading bedding plants, you’ll hopefully come home to flowers rather than finding them leggy and run to seed.

If you can, add an inch or two of bark chippings to your borders to help to lock moisture in and keep weeds down. Get rid of any barbecues, kids’ toys or balls from the lawn to save killing the grass.

It might sound contradictory, but don’t cut the lawn – longer grass holds moisture better.

Likewise, crop any grass or weeds growing around the bottom of young