Composting Info Updates

If you’re new to composting and you talk to a master gardener, they’ll sometimes tell you that you don’t actually need a compost bin, because a compost pile works just as well.

As far as actually making compost goes, that is 100 percent true. You can make compost very effectively with a compost pile.

However, there are other issues to consider. And those issues are why I recommend using a compost bin or compost tumbler instead of a compost pile.

1. Compost tumblers and bins are generally nicer looking. Neighbors and family members won’t have to complain about an ugly homemade compost pile or bin.

2. Compost tumblers and bins are more pest resistant. Dogs won’t get into your compost, or squirrels or raccoons or rats.

3. Compost tumblers and bins are easy to keep aerated. You don’t need a pitchfork, or a compost turning tool. You just turn the composter or flip it over and your compost gets mixed.

4. Compost tumblers and bins are enclosed. In hot weather, the compost stays damp longer and doesn’t dry out. In wet weather, the compost doesn’t get too soggy. Any smells stay inside the compost tumbler (although compost shouldn’t smell bad anyway if you are doing it right).

5. Compost tumblers are simply more fun! Let’s face it, it’s kind of fun to go out and turn the compost when you keep it in a tumbler. It feels like you’re accomplishing something, yet it isn’t hard work.

6. Compost tumblers usually end up making compost faster. If you make a giant pile of compost and break your back keeping it well stirred and aerated, you can get compost from a pile just as fast. But who has time for that? Using a tumbler makes the whole composting process easier.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 8th, 2006 at 2:03 pm and is filed under Home Composting, Composting Products. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.