Recycling: Building a Compost Bin

With so much interest in the rain barrel post, I thought people might be interested in a look at compost bins or heaps.  Composting is a way in which waste that is typically discarded, is instead collected and turned into valuable organic matter for the garden that helps to enrich soil.  There are many kinds of compost bins or heaps, including rotating ones, stationary ones, and vermicular systems (yes, worms).  There are also many advantages to composting. One is that the organic material is very good for gardens.  The second valuable point of composting is the shift that it creates in the way you think about waste. Now, eggshells, teabags, torn cardboard boxes, and vegetable peels are no longer trash, but they are savable, valuable materials.  My friend Joan has a fabulous barrel compost system in one corner of her lovely garden.  Here are some simple tips from her:

–Before committing to composting learn about the different types of compost bins, and the right ratios of organic material.  There are a number of resources available on the internet as well as from places like your county extension office.  In many areas, there are craftsman that can build a compost bin for you.

–Be sure that you only compost the right materials — dairy and meat products are the main ones to avoid as they do not break down easily and will cause a bad odor from the compost pile.  Great composting materials include fallen leaves, yard clippings, peels and rinds.

–Involve kids, if possible – Joan’s niece and nephew love watching the compost barrel turn and saving things in the kitchen compost container.  The whole project is a good tool to teach about gardening.

–Balance the greens and browns blend — also known as the nitrogen and carbon blends.  This enables the composted material to break down at a reasonable speed and become great gardening fuel.

–Do not compost pet feces — to avoid pathogens, keep composted material to select kitchen waste, shredded garden clippings, and recyclable paper materials.

If you compost, I’d love to hear of additional tips.

shared at Works for Me Wednesday