How to Pick the Right Composting Systems for Your Home
There are as many composting systems as there are gardeners out there!
From small space to large ranches, gardeners have all sorts of innovative ways to compost their waste.
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Composting systems for your home
But which system is right for you?
Here are some concerns to ask yourself before starting your compost job, and a list of some of the more typical systems.
This helps you determine what’s the best system for your garden.
Will you need a lot of compost?
Do you have a lot of acreage? Do you trim and rake a lot of grass waste?
Or do you just want a system to compost kitchen area scraps?
Consider just how much waste you produce and then decide on a system that best suits your needs.
How large is the area of your garden that you want to improve with compost?
If you are interested in organic food see my recommendation for… >> Organic vegetable gardening <<
Whether you have a small yard, an indoor garden, or a very large garden, they will all need compost.
Take a moment to work out how much area of garden you are going to be improving with compost prior to starting, so you don’t wind up with too much or insufficient compost (although your neighbors could thank you for any additional you might have).
If you would like to download a PDF on composting systems and designs see here… http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/designscompostingsystems.pdf
Below are a few of the garden composting systems available:
1. Stack it up
The least complicated garden compost system is merely a pile on the ground in an area that gets a balance of sun and shade. Just begin with lawn trimmings and add kitchen scraps, and use a pitchfork or shovel to keep it loaded so that it will decay. This kind of garden compost will need to be turned by hand. The open pile system might be a problem in particular cities or areas, so consult your local zoning authorities to find out if this kind of system is permitted.
2. An open bin
Also a fairly easy approach, an open bin can be built with wood and wire netting. This is an excellent way to utilize scrap wood such as old packing pallets. Such a bin can have a slatted wood bottom, or just sit on the ground surrounded by the wood and wire structure. You do not even require wood scraps; an open bin can consist of a sample of perforated metal sheeting, or an upright, round loop of wire. Once again, this is a possibly problematic system for those who reside in cities or suburbs with close next-door neighbors.
3. A closed compost bin
These look like huge, plastic barrels, and that is essentially what they are. A lot of municipalities accept this kind of composting system, and your regional waste management authority should know where to obtain such a bin. In fact, some waste management authorities have such bins available for sale. There are several designs of commercial bins available, consisting of some that can be turned from the outside. Generally speaking, those provided by municipalities are less expensive that those sold at yard centers or online.
4. A worm bin
This is a technique of garden compost that can be done indoors in a garage or basement. Sometimes called vermicomposting, a worm bin uses the natural habits of worms to break down kitchen area and lawn waste into useful garden compost. You can buy a worm bin or make your own – simply be sure it is waterproof, has air holes and is opaque (worms like it dark).
Make sure you like > Daily Green Post on Facebook < to be updated every time we find new tips on helping the environment, plus exciting and innovative new ways to help you and your family.
If you are interested in organic food see my recommendation for… >> Organic vegetable gardening <<
