Breaking down the needs for compost

Where’s the best place to put my compost bin? – Sanchez, via email DAVID: Partial shade is ideal – it shouldn’t get too hot or too cold that way. Leave some space around the outside for air to circulate.

Also, place it on bare soil if you can (unless it has a closed bottom, in which case it doesn’t matter too much).

If the bottom is open, keep it away from trees or vines as they can send their roots right up into the compost to steal its nutrients.