Composting is nature’s way of recycling, and it’s a fantastic method you can easily adopt at home. But What Is Compost exactly? Simply put, compost is decomposed organic matter. This rich, dark, earthy material is created when microorganisms break down kitchen and yard waste. Instead of throwing these materials away, you can transform them into a valuable resource for your garden, enriching your soil and reducing landfill waste.
Composting at home is not only environmentally friendly, but it’s also a rewarding way to create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. There are various methods to compost, each suited to different needs and spaces. One of the most common and accessible methods is using a compost bin.
Home Composting Methods: Choosing the Right Bin for You
Compost bins are designed to contain your composting materials, making the process cleaner and more efficient, especially for home use. They come in different forms, each with its own advantages.
Closed Compost Bins
A closed compost bin is an enclosed container that effectively holds your compostables together while helping to retain essential heat and moisture. Typically placed directly on soil, these bins often feature an open bottom, allowing beneficial nutrients from the developing compost to seep directly into the earth below, enriching your garden soil naturally.
You have the option to purchase a pre-made compost bin or embark on a DIY project to construct one yourself. When building your own, ensure it includes a secure yet removable top. This design is crucial for easily adding more composting materials as you accumulate them from your kitchen and garden. Depending on the materials you choose for construction, you might need to create ventilation by drilling or punching holes along the sides to ensure adequate airflow, which is vital for a faster, hotter composting process. It’s crucial to make sure these openings are small enough to prevent unwanted access from rodents or other animals. The size of your bin can be tailored to match the volume of organic waste you typically produce, ranging from compact 3x3x3 feet models to larger, more complex three-bin systems for more serious composting.
Many household items can be repurposed into effective DIY compost bins. Consider these possibilities:
- Wine crates, offering a rustic and breathable structure.
- Plastic storage bins, providing a readily available and moisture-retentive option.
- Discarded wooden dresser drawers, easily repurposed and environmentally friendly.
- Old garbage cans, especially plastic ones, are durable and simple to modify.
- Wire mesh, ideal for creating open-air systems that are well-ventilated.
- Wood pallets, perfect for constructing larger, more structured bins.
Open Compost Bins
Open-topped bins, or open compost systems, are generally less demanding in terms of upkeep and are particularly well-suited for composting yard waste. While they offer easy access to the composting material, it’s worth noting that food waste in open bins might attract animals, as these systems are not animal-proof. An open bin can be as basic as a simple circle of chicken wire to contain materials, or even just a pile of materials directly on the ground.
While open bins can be purchased, creating one yourself is straightforward. Drive metal stakes or wooden posts into the ground to form a square, ideally about 3×3 feet. Then, encircle the posts with wire mesh fencing to create the bin walls. If you have spare wooden pallets, they can also be efficiently used to construct an open bin. This method supports both hot and cold composting approaches. The choice depends on how closely you prefer to manage material balance, aeration through turning, and maintaining optimal moisture levels.
Tumbler Bins
A tumbler bin is a sealed container mounted on an axle or base, designed for easy rotation using a handle. The act of turning the tumbler is crucial as it aerates and mixes the compost waste inside. This promotes aerobic conditions, which are essential for the efficient breakdown of materials, significantly speeding up the composting process.
A sealed drum tumbler excels at retaining both moisture and heat, which can accelerate decomposition. However, this also means you’ll need to monitor moisture levels carefully to prevent the compost from becoming overly wet. Conversely, aerated tumblers come equipped with built-in air vents, further enhancing airflow and speeding up the composting process. Under ideal conditions, tumblers can transform waste into finished compost in as little as three weeks, though typically, a timeframe of one to two months is more realistic. Compost tumblers are readily available for purchase online and at most garden supply stores.
Alternative Method: Trench Composting
Another effective home composting technique is trench composting, which involves burying your organic waste directly into the soil. This method is particularly beneficial for plants nearby, encouraging them to develop deeper, water-conserving root systems. Trench composting is also odorless and discreet, as all waste is buried underground.
Trench composting can simplify the composting process compared to managing a compost pile. The method is straightforward: dig a trench, fill it with organic waste, and cover it with soil. Earthworms and other soil organisms then take over, handling the decomposition. Trench composting is feasible throughout the year, provided your garden soil remains workable. However, it’s best suited for single applications of materials and might not be practical for continuous composting unless you have ample space and are prepared to regularly dig in your yard.
A notable advantage of trench composting is its suitability for composting small amounts of cooked food waste, including meat, grains, and dairy. Burying these materials deep underground minimizes the attraction to animals and insects. If you choose to compost animal products, ensure they are covered with a substantial layer of soil, about 12 to 18 inches deep.
To create a simple compost trench, dig an elongated hole about 12 to 24 inches deep using a shovel. Fill this trench with your moist organic waste, and then refill the hole with soil. One of the drawbacks of this method, common to all cold composting techniques, is the extended decomposition time. Trench composting typically yields finished compost in approximately 12 months, though it can be quicker under optimal conditions. It’s important to note that you won’t be able to harvest the finished compost directly; therefore, choose trench locations where you want the nutrients to be directly delivered.
For those with limited organic waste or yard space, the “dig and drop” method offers a scaled-down approach. This involves digging small holes, about 12 to 18 inches deep, and burying waste as you accumulate it. Mark each burial spot to avoid digging in the same place twice.
Tips for Trench Composting
- Avoid digging trenches close to existing root systems to prevent harm or bacterial introduction to established plants.
- Refrain from planting directly above a trench immediately, as the soil level will sink as composting occurs.
- In drier climates, water the soil surface above the trench to maintain necessary moisture levels for decomposition.
By understanding what is compost and exploring these different home composting methods, you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and gardening needs, turning waste into garden gold.
