Composting Accessories – Page 2

Make a Compost Bin

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:

Garbage Can Bin
Concrete Block Bin
Wire Composting Bin
Three Bin Compost SystemPhoto found on Flickr.com courtesy of Ashen Jaffer.There are a wide variety of books such as Basic Composting – All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started, and Easy Composters You Can Build that are excellent resources of information, and have entire chapters dedicated to the how-to’s of building compost bins, compost sifters, and other compost accessories.
There are also some great resources on the web. For example, the University of Missouri has this online guide dedicated to building different styles of compost bins available for your use.

Additional Resources:

The University of Kentucky offers this great guide to building a compost bin. The University of Minnesota has this guide available in reference to different structures of compost bins. This is also an excellent resource. And finally, let’s not forget this comprehensive how-to guide available from the Environmental Defense Fund.

The resources are out there, and we’ve managed to do some of the legwork for you! Now all that stands between you and building that perfect compost bin in your backyard is a quick trip to the hardware store to pick up a few supplies!

A Spinning Composter: Useful, or overkill?

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:

Easy Rotation – No need for a pitchfork or compost turner
Moisture Conservation – Will not dry out or be exposed to the elements as easily
Tidy Compost Pile – It’s all in one easy to reach area
Quick Compost Time – Under ideal conditions, you can have fresh compost in as quick as three weeksCompost Tumbler Disadvantages:
Often Expensive – Sometimes, spinning composters and compost tumblers can be a bit pricey
Not that Big – There is more surface area available with many large compost bins as opposed to a compost tumbler
You Cannot Pack The Container Fully – Your material won’t compost if the tumbler is packed to the max

Compost Turner: This Tool Works for Home Bins

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.