If you’re looking to garden organically, an essential piece of equipment is a compost bin. Though this seems like a tedious task at first glance, once you have created a compost bin they are quite self-sustaining. Turning your everyday waste into compost will create rich soils for your plants, flowers and even produce. Selecting the correct compost bin for your projects, however, is the most important step.
The One Bin System
This is the simplest way to create a compost pile. As you might imagine, this plan requires just one bin. The only issue with a one-bin system is that if you plan on creating a large amount of compost, you will most likely run out of room with just one bin.
The basic idea of a one bin system is to have an enclosed structure that is at least three feet across. Though these can be purchased, they can easily be made from wooden pallets, scrap lumber, or even cinder blocks. After the bin is constructed, simply pile in your kitchen scraps and other compost ingredients. Remember that with a one bin system your products on the bottom will decompose first; therefore you need to either be able to rotate it manually using a shovel or use red worms to help decompose and add heat to the top of the compost so everything decomposes uniformly.
Tumbling or Rotating System
These are a pricier alternative than turning your compost pile yourself and typically can be found in smaller bin sizes, which means you may have to purchase more than one. The benefit is that these systems usually will create fully decomposed compost at a faster rate because of the ease of turning your compost. Most rotating systems can have fully useable compost ready in about three weeks. One drawback to these systems is that you cannot pack them too full or the drum will not be able to rotate the contents properly.
Trench and Sheet Systems
If you have the extra garden space and are not looking to mess with bins or rotating systems, then the trench system will work best. All you need is an 8” trench dug out in your garden where you can place your kitchen scraps and bury them. Leave your scraps for a few months and simply plant right on top of them. You will have nutrient rich soil instantly without the fuss of an actual compost bin.
Worm Composting System
When utilizing worms with your composting, it is important to note that it is a different process than simply creating a large pile in your yard. Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is one of the best ways to take care of food wastes. These systems can be used both indoors and outdoors because they’re completely enclosed (except for the drain holes at the bottom of your bins). These are easy to do as a DIY project and can be created from a simple storage bin that you drill a few drainage holes into. You will use layers of newspaper and soil and then top it all off with kitchen scraps. Once the new home is built up for your worms, you will release your earthworms into the mix, cover and let them go to work. In a few short weeks you will have a rich and nutrient filled soil that is perfect for your garden.
Gardening is a rewarding experience and it can be even more so when you create a nutrient-rich soil for your products to grow in. By knowing the type of compost bins that are available you can select the right bin for your gardening skill level and your home’s capabilities.
Related posts:
- Organic Herb Gardening Tips Herbs have been grown and used for centuries – well...
- Organic Vegetable Gardening Tips Nothing could be more satisfying than growing your own delicious...
- What Is Organic Gardening? Everybody knows that organic food is better for you, but...
- Using Manure In Your Organic Vegetable Garden Every garden needs fertilizer and manure is perfect for an...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.