Expert: Greg - 11/27/2007

Question
Sorry to slightly hijack this gardening forum - but can you tell me the best way
to make a smelly compost without attracting vermin. I want it to dissuade the
gangs of children who smoke behind our shed and spoil the pleasure of our
garden!

Answer
Hello Jean

I must say that I have NEVER had a question like this.

Everyone wants the answer to the exact opposite of what you are asking.

First of all, I have bad news on this, whatever I could tell you about this, is going to attract Vermin. There is no way around it.

So, how about a suggestion. To dissuade the Vermin that are going behind the Shed, you could plant some things that will make it unpleasant for them to go there.

If that area gets a fair amount of Sunlight, plant Shrub Roses, or Flowering Quince. Both of these plants have Thorns which make for a rather uncomfortable experience. The Bonus is, both of these plants have Striking Flower displays in the Spring and early Summer.

If this doesn't work for you, I would turn my attention to working on some way to border out that area so they can't go behind the Shed at all. In my Humble Opinion, you don't want any part of a Bad Compost Pile.

The Very Best of Luck
     Greg