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In a nutshell

Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the most versatile compost bin, the Green Johanna deals efficiently with all types of food waste as well as having room for plenty of garden waste. Made from 100 per cent-recycled plastic it has excellent eco-credentials too. Comes with a three-year warranty.

Pros
Composts food as well as garden waste
Made from 100 per cent-recycled plastic
Waste doesn't need premixing
Good capacity for price
Cons
Cannot harvest compost when winter jacket on

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Is the Green Johanna easy to set up and use?

The bin comes in several sections that need screwing together, which takes around 30-40 minutes and can be done with a hand screwdriver. Screws are supplied, but not the screwdriver. The bin is extremely easy to use: waste is simply tipped in and doesn’t need pre-mixing as such, although stirring it from time to time incorporates more air and speeds the composting process (stirring stick supplied). Finished compost is harvested via two wide hatches at the base of the bin, on opposite sides so it’s easy to shovel it all out. The hatches slide on and off, plus there’s the option of screwing them in place for total security against creatures. Ensuring the surround is clear of compost enables the hatch to close completely. The only drawback is that compost can’t be harvested when the winter jacket is on, though it only takes a short time to remove and replace.

What can I put in the Green Johanna?

All types of raw and cooked food waste along with garden waste (stems or prunings chopped up), plus brown cardboard and plain (non-shiny) paper. Start off by making a base layer 10-20cm deep of twigs and woody prunings. Thereafter, add two parts of garden waste to one part kitchen waste.

Who is the Green Johanna most useful for?

Anyone who wants a low-maintenance composter with good capacity that will take a wide range of waste from the home and garden.

Is the Green Johanna good value for money and is it built to last?

Made from 100 per cent-recycled plastic, the bin is well designed and has 300L capacity to take a good deal of waste. In a very small garden, it would be possible to have this as the sole composting bin. The Green Johanna is solidly made and comes with a 3-year warranty.