An unseasonably warm April has led to delivery delays for composters being promoted by a council.
West Sussex County Council is now asking gardeners to be patient with waits of up to 60 days predicted.
The local authority, alongside district and borough councils, is working with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to offer compost bins at rock-bottom prices.
Frank Wilkinson, the county council's cabinet member for strategic planning, said: "By composting household and garden waste, gardeners throughout West Sussex are making a significant contribution to our recycling targets.
"I would like to thank them all for their valuable efforts.
"On behalf of WRAP, I apologise to all those gardeners who are having to wait for their KOMP 250 composter and would ask them to be patient."
Councillor Wilkinson stressed that there is no delay on the other two compost bins.
The bins can be ordered by phoning 0845 077 0757 or via www.recyclenow.com/compost.
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