There are a lot of different types of composters out there!

Compost drums are typically bins that tumble or rotate in some fashion, which helps keep your compost mixed up. Keeping your compost well mixed can be a big plus, if you want to compost faster.

The disadvantage of compost drums is that they don’t hold as much material as other types of composters. They usually hold somewhere around the 50 gallon range, because anything much bigger than that gets too hard to tumble.

Here are 5 different compost drums that you might consider if you’re looking for one.

The Envirocycle Compost Drum sits on a base with rollers built into the bottom. You spin it in place on top of the base to keep your compost mixed. The coolest feature is that the bottom part also holds 5 gallons of compost tea that drains out of the drum. You can either add it to your watering can to use it, or pour it out on your flower beds or garden directly if you want to add a big microbial boost. Usually costs around $149.

The Compost Wizard Jr Drum holds about 53 gallons, and also sits on a base. The base on this one doesn’t collect compost tea, though. It’s not quite as easy to open and close the lid as the Envirocycle, but it’s still a dependable unit. Around $149.

This 55 gallon compost drum is actually made from a recycled food drum! So you’re reusing something that might otherwise go into the landfill to create compost with kitchen and garden scraps that might otherwise go into the landfill. How’s that for a double win? This one flips end over end, on a stand. It’s extremely durable, because you know how tough those food barrels have to be to make it all around the world, or across the country. Costs around $199.

The Tumbleweed compost drum also sits on a stand and flips vertically, instead of horizontally. The coolest feature about this compost drum is that it has lids on both sides, so it’s always easy to add more materials! The legs are made out of galvanized steel, so they are very sturdy and will stay out in the weather without rusting. It costs around $189.

This Joraform compost drum holds more than the rest of these models — 70 gallons. It has a bunch of handle grips around the middle portion so that you can grab and turn it. It’s kind of hard to see in the picture. This is a metal compost bin, with metal legs. Unlike the other drums, this bin has two different compartments so that you can fill one up, then let it break down as you are filling the other compartment, and then start all over. It also has this weird insulation material inside that works very well in cold weather months. It’s usually around $399. They also make a smaller version.

Do you have any questions about these units? If so, leave me a comment and I’ll see if I know the answer, or can look it up for you!

Alternatively, if you’re using one of these, please share your experience.

Some people prefer the natural look of a wooden compost bin. Although most of the commercial compost bins you see these days are plastic, you do see some wooden compost bins now that are already made.

Here are two wooden composters that I like that you can buy.

This cedar bin has two large sections so that you can keep two compost piles going at once and compost large amounts of materials. It’s a great choice if you like to compost leaves, which take up a lot of space. Cedar is very durable, and it’s also a readily available wood that is eco friendly.

This spruce composter is made from FSC certified sustainable wood. It has a really nice look, and the wood has been heat treated for extra durability. The lid is nice, and the extra large spaces between slats allow good aeration.

But what if you want to build a wooden compost bin yourself? You still have a lot of options.

I really like this booklet that has a bunch of different plans for compost bins that you can build yourself. There are a lot of ideas for different styles of bins, and the instructions are clear.

You can also find plans online to build a wooden composter yourself, if you’re the handy type.

The University of Missouri Extension has free plans for several types of compost bins, including a cedar wooden compost bin.

Any other good sources for wooden composter plans out there that I might have missed?

Perhaps you’re already composting all of your yard waste and garden waste. If so, great work!

But are you throwing away kitchen scraps that you could turn into rich, finished compost instead?

Don’t throw away those scraps — collect them with a compost can in your kitchen!

You can use your own sealed container if you want, but a specialized pail sometimes looks a bit nicer on your kitchen counter. Here are some different types of compost cans for you to consider.

A plastic compost can is the cheapest way to go, other than using a container that you already own. This one is $19, from Clean Air Gardening.

A ceramic compost canister looks like fine china when it sits on your kitchen counter, and it’s easy to clean in the dishwasher. Just be careful not to drop it, or CRASH! $39 at Clean Air Gardening.

Does your kitchen have the stainless look? If so, a stainless steel compost can would go right with everything else! $39 at Clean Air Gardening.

Compost is renewable, so why not use renewable bamboo for your compost can? This one actually has a plastic liner, so it’s not ALL eco friendly. But the plastic liner can be washed in the dishwasher, which is convenient. $39 at Clean Air Gardening.

What do you use to collect your kitchen scraps for composting? Leave a comment!

The key to a successful compost pile is made up of many factors, but one of the most important factors is a proper balance between Carbon and Nitrogen – rich materials. Having a proper balance between the two will result in some of the best “black gold” you could ever hope for.

Carbon-rich materials can be found in the household, or around the yard. These items include things such as leaves, woodchips, newspaper, cereal, and sawdust. To balance out the Carbon rich materials and aid in faster decomposition in the compost process, you need to make sure there are plenty of Nitrogen rich materials as well. The best place to find Nitrogen rich materials will be in food scraps – such as fruit and vegetable trimmings. That’s right, everyday household food items such as bananas, pears, potatoes, carrots, and more will be excellent for your compost pile.

So that brings us to a compost pail. These are excellent ways to help collect Nitrogen rich materials for your compost heap. By using a compost pail and keeping it in the kitchen, you can toss your excess food scraps and fruit and vegetable peelings in the pail. For example, if you are cooking and are peeling potatoes, just rifle all the excess potato peelings into the compost pail instead of the garbage disposal. Every few days or so, just take the compost pail out to the pile and empty it. It’s that simple.

These pails also come in a variety of colors – from black, white, red, to even stainless steel and bamboo. This means that there is most certainly one that will fit the overall décor of your kitchen. So from an aesthetic aspect, you are as good as gold. If you are worried about a potential smell, have no fear – these compost pails typically come with a carbon or charcoal filter that will suppress and eliminate any chance of an odor. These filters only need to be replaced every 3-4 months, and replacement filters can be purchased separately.

A compost pail is nice because not only will it help you remember to collect those Nitrogen-rich materials with ease and frequently, but it will also add in less trips outside to the compost pile. This way, you only have to go there every few days instead of every single time you need to throw some food scraps in the pile. Give a compost pail a try, it will be essential to happy composting, and you will wonder how you ever lived without one.

When choosing a compost bin, you are typically faced with a few different options. For starters, there are multiple styles of composting bins. You may find yourself choosing from between any of the following options:

Tumbling Compost Bin

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of Tammy Leino.

Spinning a tumbling compost bin daily can often produce compost in as quickly as 21 days. These bins are also typically above ground, so they are resistant to attacks by pests and animals.

Stationary Compost Bin

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of Clean Air Gardening.

Stationary Compost Bins will typically sit in one area of the yard and can vary in size. However, they are excellent if you need to yield a large amount of compost, and are generally properly aerated. It can at times, take longer for materials to break down.

Worm Compost Bin (aka Vermicomposter)

Image found on Flickr.com courtesy of Colonel Mustard.

A worm compost bin is just what it sounds like – it makes use of worms to aid in the breakdown of organic material into compost. Waste is typically broken down quickly with these bins, and is great for producing compost tea – a liquid substance that occurs naturally when producing compost that is high in nutrients and really good for your garden.

Multi-Bin System

A multi – bin system is choice if you have a lot of composting to do, or desire do to composting continually over time. You can have different stages of compost in each bin, and in the end come out with a lot of compost for your lawn or garden.

Once you have spent some quality time looking at the different styles of compost bins, there might be some additional questions or considerations. For example:

How much compost do I need to create?

This all depends on your composting needs. For example, if you are going to be working constantly with a large surface area and are going to require large amounts of compost for your garden, then something such as a multi-bin system may be perfect for you.

What material will I be composting?

Obviously, there are certain things you shouldn’t compost (animal fat, for instance). However, if you are composting a lot of vegetables with some leaves and grass, then it may make sense to purchase a tumbling compost bin or a stationary compost bin – something with easy access from the kitchen in the backyard that can get regular use.

What is the space/surface area I am working with?

This is also an important question to ask, because it can basically determine the size of your bin. If you are working with a smaller surface area, then a large compost bin is not going to make sense.

Other points of interest

It is vital that no matter what the compost bin or style you feel is right for you, it is properly aerated and has a hole large enough for you to get your compost out of. In addition, your bin should be something that is convenient for you – something that you can get to and from easily, and that will be practical for all of your gardening needs. If possible, try and obtain a compost bin that will be above ground and resistant to rodents, so your compost can decompose quickly and efficiently.

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of Collin J.

Making a compost bin is easy – you just have to make sure that it is where rodents can’t get at it, and that it is in a location conveniently placed to where you can get at it frequently if need be. There are many different styles of compost bins you can build, including the following:

So you’re getting ready to compost! Great! The first thing to address is supplies – retailers and friends alike will often tell you that you need this, that, or the other thing – so what is it that you really need when it comes to composting equipment? Well, there are certain things that will be essential to your composting success, but you may be surprised to find out some of the things you do and don’t necessarily need.

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of AurorMaximus.

First off, you don’t necessarily need to have a compost bin to make compost. You can have a compost pile right there in the lawn. As long as you have differing strips of Nitrogen and Carbon rich materials, your compost pile will take care of itself naturally – as the decomposition process happens with ease in nature. However (as mentioned in a previous blog post), your city may have ordinances preventing you from having a compost pile, or you may simply just not want a pile of compost in your lawn. If this is the case, then a compost bin can alleviate all of your problems. It will look aesthetically pleasing and will probably also keep your homeowner’s association of your back as well (thank God). You can also get them in a variety of options, including: tumbling, rolling, multi-bin systems, square, and plastic.

So, now you’ve got either a compost pile or compost bin out of the way. What additional things do you need? Well, a compost turning tool is certainly going to come in handy. A compost turner can easily keep your compost properly aerated and will aid in rapid decomposition of your organic material. In addition, you can purchase a compost fork, which will help you turn the compost to keep it aerated as well. A compost fork can at times be like a pitchfork, but there are ones available that are sort of a cross between a pitchfork and a shovel to aid in picking up and turning your compost.

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of SPACEGRRL.

If you want to make sure all is in line with the temperature of your compost bin (this can be directly relative to the rate at which your compost pile breaks down), then you should look into a compost thermometer. These can tell you if your pile is too hot or cold, and how close to the ideal temperature it will be (ideally, you would like your compost pile to be between 104 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Many books will give you different temperature ranges, but it will always be acceptable to stay in this range, by doing so, your compost will be fine). If you really want to “geek out,” you can go the extra mile and look into getting a compost moisture meter. A moisture meter will let you know just how dry or wet your pile is, and gauge whether or not you need to add water to it, or dry it out in order to facilitate a quicker compost time. Nice.

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of Hathaway_m.

Lastly, and these are not necessary but can certainly help, are compost accelerators and compost starters. While it is true that fresh compost and dirt/soil will be okay to get your compost pile rolling, a compost starter or accelerator can also speed up the process, and leave you with a wonderful heap of compost in no time.

So now you know the things you may need to get started – go forth and get to composting!

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of Clean Air Gardening.

Spinning or tumbling composters can be quite popular – especially when it comes to the spring and summer months, or when it comes to keeping your compost in check. However, there seems to be an ongoing debate – are these composters useful, or is it just too much overkill? Well, while there may seem to be more advantages than disadvantages to owning a spinning or tumbling composter, we have decided to lay the pros and cons out for you so you can help decide for yourself.

Compost Tumbler Advantages:

Compost turners are great for homemade bins! Typically, when you make a homemade bin, the opening will be large and there will be a lot of room for excess compost and organic material. This means the compost has to be turned with a certain frequency – as there is no tumbling motion such as seen in rotating or tumbling composters.

So, when you purchase a compost turner, you are able to properly aerate and mix your compost in a matter of minutes. Using a tool is simple – just plunge it into the compost and then move it and mix the compost around. It’s that simple. You are then able to blend the different elements in your compost bin together, make sure they get the proper amount of exposure and aeration, and then let nature do the rest of the work. A compost turning tool works twice as well as a shovel or pitchfork, and really lets you get down deep into the soil.

So you desire a compost container for your backyard. No problem. It’s important to determine what sort of compost container you are looking for. Do you want a spinning or rotating bin, an open bin in the backyard that you just throw stuff in, or do you even want to venture down the homemade route? Well, let’s take a look at the different styles of bins/compost containers to help you come to a decision you are happy with, shall we?

Tumbling/Spinning/Rotating Composters

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of Clean Air Gardening.

These composters are nice because they make compost in little to no time, by comparison. They are typically above ground, and you place the compost in, spin it, and in anywhere from 3-8 weeks (depending on the composter), you have some rich, luscious, black gold for all of your gardening aspirations. That’s nice. These bins work in such a fashion that it’s easy to load compost in, keep it covered (so you don’t have to work extra hard to keep pests, animals, and rodents out), and you can reap the benefits of great compost in the end.

Multi-Bin Compost Systems

These compost bin systems are really nice, especially if you are looking to producing large amounts of compost. The basic concept is to have a few different compost bins that can be representative of the different stages of compost. Because of this, you can have multiple compost piles going at once. If you so desire (and have a lot of waste – and we mean a lot) then you could essentially have a few compost piles going at the same rate. In any case, a multi-bin system is perfect if you have a lot of work to do, and know for a fact you will need large amounts of compost.

Wire Compost Bins

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of LAJ2006.

The wire compost bin can be easy to make – all you need is wire, wire mesh, and some stakes. The bin is just what it sounds like – a wire mesh area that sits in the lawn and you make compost with it. Since it is wire mesh, it keeps the compost aerated. It is easy to construct, and simple to maintain. If you are worried about animals, however, there is a greater chance that they may be able to get into the bin and mess with any of the compost. If that is a risk you are willing to take – these bins can be quick and easy to getting you on the way to making some compost. There is a great book, titled Basic Composting: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get StartedA that shows you how to construct this style of bin with ease.

Home-made Composters

Photo found on Flickr.com courtesy of Katxn.

These can be fun, and you can use your imagination – you can make a compost bin out of anything – from wood, to a trash can, wire mesh (as mentioned above)…the possibilities are endless. Just remember this – you need to make sure your bin is properly aerated, and when placing stuff in the composter, just make sure there is an ideal Carbon-Nitrogen ratio. Basic Composting also has some good insight to other styles of bins, so do websites mentioned in an earlier blog post, titled “Make a Compost Bin.”