Tried & tested: Keter’s Dynamic Turn & Go Composter

The sooner you start a pile of garden waste and kitchen peelings the sooner you will be able to add rich compost packed with nutrients into your soil to boost its growing power next year.

You don't need any equipment, to begin with at least, just a sheltered corner out of sight where you can start piling up leaves, autumn prunings, the last of this year's grass cuttings and kitchen waste that is not meat, fish or dairy.

Just keep your pile covered with an old carpet or sheet of plastic until you have had time to sort out your compost equipment.

Do It Yourself types can easily make a wooden compost unit, and many local authorities sell plastic beehive-shaped compost bins at very good prices.

But if you want to buy something a bit more sophisticated you could try the Dynamic Turn & Go Composter, made by the plastic garden equipment firm Keter.

Essentially, it's a lightweight plastic barrel on a stand that you can turn at the twist of a handle to mix up your compost, and keep it well aerated with sliding vents.

The hinged lid swings back easily so you can add compost materials to it without having to hold onto a worm-covered lid and as long as you position it on flat ground it is pretty sturdy.

Clear illustrated assembly instructions make it simple to click together then fasten down with the plastic screws provided.

The instructions also come with a useful explanation about maintaining a good oxygen supply by opening the vents - in order to stop the mixture turning slimy. express