How to Compost

A guide to making your own compost.

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Make a Compost Bin

12.10.2008 by Admin //

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!

Categories // Composting Accessories, Composting Equipment, How To Compost Tags // compost bins, Composting, DIY Composting, Homemade compost bins, Make your own compost bin

Composting Equipment: What do you really need?

12.08.2008 by Admin //

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!

Categories // Composting Equipment Tags // Accessories, Compost Equipment, Compost fork, Compost things, Fork, Thermometer, Turner

A Spinning Composter: Useful, or overkill?

12.05.2008 by Admin //


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

Categories // Composting Accessories, Composting Equipment Tags // Get your spinning composter on, Spin, Spinning Composter, Tumbling Composter

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Want to learn about composting in a more organized way? Read my book, How To Compost: Everything You Need To Know To Start Composting, And Nothing You Don't!, available on the Kindle or your computer at Amazon.com.

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