Composting System Basics
by John Yazo
If you are an organic gardener then composting is a very important part of your gardening practice. This information is to help guide you through the different type of systems to make composting a easy and enjoyable part of your gardening.
There are may methods that can be used, from cold slow compost piles to hot faster composting methods.To start out I will go through some different methods and there advantages and disadvantages. Then I will go over what to include in your compost pile and what not too, along with suggestions what type of system to use.
The Traditional Compost Bin -With this method you need a location to build one. Looks is going to be a factor in if you want to use this method. They can be build to be incorperated into the landscape, but personal preferance is going to be the main reason if you go with this method or not. Depending on the amount of compost you are planning on producing is going to be determined by the material you have avalible and the size of the bin. A bin can be build as one single compartment of several, multiple are better for the reason that you can start one and once you fill it the material can be turned by moving it to the empty compartment along side of it rather than trying to turn it inplace. This method is a way of composting any amount of organic material that you have. It is a method that will fit all your composting needs. If you have the room and can have one in your yard it is the way to go.
Depending on where you live or plan on building a bin, there can be local regulation that wont allow a bin due too town or city regulations.
Trench Composting - This method is a very simple method that all you do is bury your organic materials and let them decompose directly into the soil. All you do is dig a hole or a trench, chop, mix the organic material with some soil and bury it with atleast 8 inches of soil.
Compost Tumblers - There are many units on the market today that claim that you can have compost in an unrealistic amount of time. These tumbler units do have there advantages and disadvantages. They are neat looking and there are model that take very little space to operate in, but the fact is that compost is going to take time to decompose and the time really depends on what the material you are including in your pile, bin or tumbler and along with the amount of material to keep the pile hot. Smaller the unit or pile, the harder to keep hot. If you are composting small quanities a tumbler being a container will to some extent keep the moisture and the heat in longer due to the fact it isn't exposed to the elements of nature. You can add material and mix on a daily basis without much labor.They are nice, but cost is a factor.
Even though they are neat and a container, there still can be regulations in your town or city that doesn't allow them. Check into it before purchasing or building any composting system.
Kitchen Composters - There are several units on the market today, from crock type container to small trash pail size composters that are made for household use and fit the decor of your household nicely. Some of these units come supplied with filters to elemenate odors. Any way you choose to compost kitchen waste there is a chance of odor. Without the proper mixture of carbon and nitrogen ratio your composting method wont be a success.
Worm Composting - This method of composting is also known as vermi-composting. It is a neat and clean method of composting organic household and yard waste. They can be of many different sizes and will produce the same quality of compost. There is no need to warrying about keeping the compost pile hot, the labor is done by the worms. It is a great way to produce a nutrient rich compost. Wheather can be a factor when using this method, extreme hot climates can bake the worms, shade will be needed. In cold climates is just the opposite, winter freezing can be an issue, a garage, shed or barn may be needed to keep them out of the elements of nature during the winter months.
Composting is the ideal way to recycle your organic household and yard waste materials. It is a method of working in harmony with nature and not against it. There are many methods that can be used from large size bins, tumbles or piles to the urban gardener that doesn't have the convenience of all the room. Materials can be composted indoors or out with the proper care.
If
you would like to comment on this website or have any suggestions
please feel free to contact us
