6 Steps To Using A Compost Bin Properly
- Step 1: Select Organic Materials For Your Compost Bin ...
- Step 2: Stockpile Organic Materials For Your Compost Bin ...
- Step 3: Layer Organic Materials Into Your Compost Bin ...
- Step 4: Get Your Compost Bin’s Moisture Level Right ...
- Step 5: Keep Air Flowing Through Your Compost Pile ...
- Step 6: Look For Signs That Your Compost Is Ready To Use ...
How do I take care of my compost?
Regular mixing or turning of the compost and some water will help maintain the compost. Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin.
What makes a good compost bin?
A well-functioning compost bin needs carbon-rich materials (also known as browns) and nitrogen-rich materials (called greens). Microorganisms use carbon and nitrogen to fuel and strengthen themselves so they can create your compost. Here are examples of greens and browns that contribute to a thriving compost pile:
When should I empty my compost bin?
It is best to empty compost bins of all usable compost prior to the onset of winter. Use the compost around your garden, in your raised beds or transfer to a dry container with a lid for use in the spring. Harvesting the compost before starting your winter compost heap will free up space for the new compost.
How do you get rid of Worms in a compost bin?
Resist the urge to add water, even if the bin is looking dry. Instead, try running your fruit and veggie waste through a food processor, breaking it down and making it available more quickly to the worms and other micro-organisms. Remember, for best results, feed your worms according to All Things Organic's One Spot Rule.
How do you maintain a compost bin?
Turn or aerate the compost with a fork every week or two. Another option is to poke garden stakes or plastic pipes through the heap to allow air in. Covering the compost at the top will keep in heat and moisture, which are essential for the process.
How often should you empty compost bin?
Remember - your compost bin is only a receptacle. Empty out your scraps every few days or every week in your outdoor compost pile OR your green waste bin to be collected on garbage day!
What is the first thing I should put in my compost bin?
Put down a thin layer of brown material — leaves, chopped stems, wood chips — and sift over it a thin layer of soil, compost, or manure. Sprinkle these with water, then start the serious layering: six to eight inches of browns, followed by two or three of greens, and then a sprinkling of the soil options.
How long does a compost bin last?
Compost doesn't go bad. Compost begins losing nutrients after four months of storage, but it doesn't lose enough to majorly impact your plants until a year after completion. After a year or two of storage, you may notice that your compost is shrinking ever so slightly as it breaks down further.
What vegetables should not be composted?
HIGHLY ACIDIC FOODS Citrus fruit, tomato products and pickled food products can do harm to your compost. High acidity can actually kill the good bacteria that helps break down the material in your compost pile.
What happens if you don't turn your compost?
If a compost pile is just left sitting, and not turned, it will take 6-12 months or longer to completely break down, depending of the climate and weather. The cooler it is, the longer it will take.
Does a compost bin need to be in the sun?
You can put your compost pile in the sun or in the shade, but putting it in the sun will hasten the composting process. Sun helps increase the temperature, so the bacteria and fungi work faster. This also means that your pile will dry out faster, especially in warm southern climates.
What should not go into a compost bin?
What NOT to CompostMeat and Fish Scraps.Dairy, Fats, and Oils.Plants or Wood Treated with Pesticides or Preservatives.Black Walnut Tree Debris.Diseased or Insect-Infested Plants.Weeds that Have Gone to Seed.Charcoal Ash.Dog or Cat Waste.
How often should compost be turned?
By turning more frequently (about every 2-4 weeks), you will produce compost more quickly. Waiting at least two weeks allows the center of the pile to heat up and promotes maximum bacterial activity. The average composter turns the pile every 4-5 weeks.
Why are there worms in my compost?
EUGENE – Most people shudder when they see maggots in their bin composter or compost pile. Don't be grossed out – they won't hurt you. In fact, these larvae play a role in breaking down and recycling nutrients back into the soil.
What happen if you leave compost too long?
If compost is left too long, it will still generally be usable. However, it may lose some of its potency if constantly exposed to the elements. Compost will often just become even finer as the microorganisms continue to work.
How do I know when my compost is finished?
Generally compost is ready to be harvested when the finished product is a rich dark brown color, smells like earth, and crumbles in your hand. Some signs that it may not be ready include: Recognizable food content still visible. The pile is still warm.
How often should you flip compost?
every three to seven daysHow often you should turn compost depends on a number of factors including the size of the pile, the green to brown ratio, and the amount of moisture in the pile. That being said, a good rule of thumb is to turn a compost tumbler every three to four days and the compost pile every three to seven days.
Do you have to empty compost bins?
When your compost finishes decomposing, you need to harvest the compost. The harvesting is done by emptying the compost bin content on the ground.
Can I turn my compost too much?
Turning too often (every day) disrupts the formation of the fungi and actinomycetes that do much of the composting work and may prevent the pile from heating up completely. For the fastest, most efficient decomposition, a pile should be left essentially alone to “cook” until it starts to cool.
How long does it take for a compost bin to work?
Compost can be made in as little as six to eight weeks, or, more usually, it can take a year or more. In general, the more effort you put in, the quicker you will get compost. When the ingredients you have put in your container have turned into a dark brown, earthy smelling material, the composting process is complete.
How to keep compost bins clean?
You can line it with newspaper and sprinkle that with baking soda to absorb moisture and odors. Also, look for compostable bags to hold scraps. Make sure your waste pickup service accepts the bags first.
Why do you need to clean your compost bin?
You’ll need to clean it regularly to prevent pests, like flies, and an unbearable odor. Leave it too long and you’ll need a gas mask to clean it out. For your garden compost bin, it’s important to clean it regularly so you can keep moving out finished compost and continually provide new material for microbes and insects to get to work making more.
Is it necessary to clean out compost bins?
Image by Grahamphoto23. Cleaning out compost bins is a dreaded chore for many, but it’s necessary . Creating compost is a great way to reuse garden and kitchen scraps and to enrich your soil in a natural way. And if you have curbside compost bins, you can send your scraps off to be reused.
Do you have to wash a compost bin?
Even so, you should wash it regularly, just as you would wash dishes. For washing a compost bin for curbside pickup, you’ll need to get out the hose and some natural cleaners.
When to remove compost?
Remove the compost when all materials are completely decomposed, with a dark color and crumbling texture.
How to keep compost piles moist?
Add water to the compost pile as needed to keep the materials damp but not saturated. Rain adds moisture to the pile, but you may need to add water during dry periods. Turn the pile more frequently or add more dry, brown materials if the pile becomes too wet.
What is composting in the garden?
Composting reduces the waste you send to the landfill and improves the health of your garden beds. Weed growth, odor, disease, pests and slow decomposition are possible problems if you don't take care of your composted materials the right way. Proper compost pile maintenance involves occasional turning and adding acceptable materials to the pile to ensure the proper balance of components.
How big should a compost pile be?
Build the compost pile to at least 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide for the best results; this size allows for enough internal heat to get rid of weeds in the pile.
What are the two types of materials used in compost?
Brown materials include sawdust, dried leaves, dead plants, straw and small branches. Green compost materials include plants and leaves that are still green, grass clippings and fruit and vegetable remnants.
Why do we need a compost bin?
Most compost bins are designed to hasten the decomposition of organic matter through proper aeration and moisture retention. With the proper combination of air and moisture, ideal conditions are produced for the activity of aerobic organisms responsible for the high temperatures that transform the organic materials into compost.
What materials are used to make compost bins?
Possible materials for creating a compost bin (whether in combination or stand-alone) include: Lumber. Branches harvested from the woods. Stone. Cinder blocks. Wire fencing. Plastic. Ceramic.
What is aerobic composting?
"Aerobic" pertains to an organism that needs atmospheric oxygen to thrive. In landscaping and gardening, it's used in making compost; you'll hear the terminology, "aerobic composting." Well-designed aerobic compost bins that are well maintained promote an environment in which such aerobic microorganisms thrive. That's what most gardeners strive for, although a smaller number opt for the opposite approach, which is anaerobic composting.
Why is aerobic compost important?
Aerobic organisms are an important ingredient in good compost; without them, the material in a compost bin will not "cook" properly. If you have ever stuck your hand into a compost bin and found it hot, then that means aerobic organisms were present in sufficient numbers in that pile. That's why part of a good aerobic design is making sure that your compost bin "breathes."
Why do you turn compost piles?
Aerobic compost piles are turned frequently to avoid compaction, to keep oxygen flowing freely through the pile, and to keep out anaerobic organisms. Your goal is to get the organic matter in them to heat up. By contrast, under anaerobic conditions, your goal is for fermentation to take place.
How hot should compost be for rats?
The best compost piles, furthermore, are very hot in their centers (ideally between 135°F and 160°F); this heat would probably discourage rats from entering. 3 One factor in getting a compost heap to heat up this much is keeping it moist, and this moisture, too, will cut down on rat invasions (rats seeking shelter would prefer some nice, dry compost).
Can compost bins speed up decomposition?
However, with a bin, you can speed up decomposition. Depending on the style of compost bin you choose, bins can also have the advantage of making it harder for rats to get at your compost. This is true of the tumbler type, for example.
How to keep compost from smelling?
Air can be added through holes in the sides of your composter, or by turning the pile. I feel that turning the pile makes the biggest impact in getting that air where it is needed throughout the pile. Aeration can also help keep your pile from developing an odor.
How wet or moist should my compost be?
Personally, I like my compost to be on the drier side. It’s always easier to add water than to take water out. An overly wet compost pile can smell more so, as an urban gardener, I find that I can better maintain a clean pile when it is not sopping wet. Ideally, aim for the texture of a wrung out sponge!
What is Brown Matter for a Compost Bin?
Brown matter is the carbon input. For many gardeners, the most common brown matter are dead leaves—-this is especially the case in areas of the country where there are lots of trees that lose their leaves. For us urban gardeners, dead leaves and brown matter can be hard to come by.
Do I need to chop all my greens & browns into small pieces?
This is all a balance. Smaller pieces will break down more quickly since more surface area is exposed BUT I personally feel that having varying sizes in a large compost pile can actually be most effective. Why? Leaving some larger pieces, or maintaining many pieces of different sizes, allows for better aeration of the pile which can help spur the decomposition process. If all your pieces are teen tiny, they can end up matting together and depriving that area of oxygen—-remember, air is an important element of the decomposition process.
What are some urban friendly compost ideas?
If you are living in a city or urban environment, I know from experience, that your top concerns are: space, animals, smells, and neighbors (complaining of smells or critters). You can still compost in these situations!
Why does my compost pile smell like ammonia?
If your pile starts to smell like ammonia, you’ve got too much green! Add some brown material and mix it in.
Why do we cover compost piles?
Some areas of the country get enough rain to keep compost moist without needing a cover, but for us, covering a compost pile actually serves two purposes: 1) covering your pile keeps animals out. You might notice that our DIY urban pallet compost bin has a cover.
What should be in a compost pile?
Your compost pile should have an equal amount of browns to greens. You should also alternate layers of organic materials of different-sized particles. The brown materials provide carbon for your compost, the green materials provide nitrogen, and the water provides moisture to help break down the organic matter.
What are some ways to make a compost pile?
Helpful tools include pitchforks, square-point shovels or machetes, and water hoses with a spray head. Regular mixing or turning of the compost and some water will help maintain the compost.
What are the basic things that are needed to reduce waste?
Reducing Wasted Food Basics. Greens - This includes materials such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. Water - Having the right amount of water, greens, and browns is important for compost development. Your compost pile should have an equal amount of browns to greens. You should also alternate layers of organic ...
What is composting in the garden?
U.S. Department of Agriculture Backyard Composting Tip Sheet. Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away, and could be composted instead.
How long does it take to make compost?
When the material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready to use. This usually takes anywhere between two months to two years.
What are the benefits of composting?
Benefits of Composting. Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests. Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
Can you make a worm compost bin indoors?
Learn how to create and maintain an indoor worm composting bin. If you do not have space for an outdoor compost pile, you can compost materials indoors using a special type of bin, which you can buy at a local hardware store, gardening supplies store, or make yourself.
How to make a brown compost bin?
Start by creating a 4–8-inch (10–20-cm) layer of bulky brown materials, such as twigs, at the bottom of your pile to provide aeration and drainage. Then, alternate layers of green and brown materials until your bin is full. Be sure to add a bit of water to each layer to keep it moist. 3. Turn the pile regularly.
Why do you need to water compost?
While most of the moisture in your compost pile should come from rain, you may need to water it occasionally to help keep it moist. If the pile becomes soggy, you can add extra brown materials or turn it more frequently to remove excess moisture.
Why is composting important?
Composting allows you to recycle kitchen scraps instead of tossing them, which reduces food waste and helps minimize your environmental impact. Soil enrichment. Compost helps soil retain more moisture and nutrients. It also prevents erosion by breaking up compacted soil. Lower need for synthetic fertilizers.
What is composting in gardening?
Composting is a process by which organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, decomposes into soil. It’s a great way to recycle scraps from your yard and kitchen while also enriching the soil in your garden, improving water retention, and protecting against erosion. Although it may sound complicated, composting is very simple ...
How to make a compost pile?
Create your compost pile. The first step to composting is determining where you want your compost heap or bin. Try to select an outdoor location with partial shade and plenty of drainage. It’s also important to pick an area that’s easily accessible but removed from animals, including pets and wildlife.
How to make compost pile easier to rotate?
Alternatively, you can use a compost tumbler, which is a container designed to make it easier to rotate and mix your composting materials. 2. Begin adding materials. Once you’ve picked a location for your compost pile, you’re ready to start adding materials.
Why do I drop off food scraps at composting?
Now, I regularly drop off food scraps at my local composting center to help reduce waste and support sustainability.
How to reduce the size of compost?
Since the cold weather slows down decomposition, reducing the size of your compost pieces helps. Chop up food scraps before placing them in the winter compost bin and shred up leaves with a mower before adding them to the pile. Keep the pile moist but not soggy. When spring arrives, the pile may be very wet, especially if it has frozen over ...
How to prepare compost for winter?
It is best to empty compost bins of all usable compost prior to the onset of winter. Use the compost around your garden, in your raised beds, or transfer to a dry container with a lid for use in the spring. Harvesting the compost before starting your winter compost heap will free up space for ...
How to keep compost warm in winter?
Keeping the bin warm is important if you live in an area that has harsh winter temperatures and strong winds. Pile straw or hay bales around your bin or packed leaf bags. This will ensure that all of the beneficial critters in the compost will stay toasty all winter long.
What to put in winter compost pile?
The same concept for managing your winter compost heap applies like any other time, with layers of browns and greens. The best compost piles layer green kitchen scraps, fresh garden waste, etc. with browns that include straw, newspaper, and dead leaves.
What is the difference between winter composting and winter composting?
The only difference with winter composting is that you do not have to turn the pile as much. Frequent turning of the winter compost heap may result in heat escape, so it is best to keep turning to a minimum. Since the cold weather slows down decomposition, reducing the size of your compost pieces helps. Chop up food scraps before placing them in ...
Can you put a compost bucket in the winter?
Winter Composting Tip – So that you don’t have to make as many trips to the compost pile in the cold, keep a compost bucket with a tight-fitting lid in your kitchen or outside your back door. With proper layering, there should be very little odor and scraps will be partially decomposed by the time they reach the main compost pile.
Does compost need to be kept up all year long?
Image by nociveglia. A healthy compost pile needs to be kept up all year long, even in the cold, dark days of winter. The decomposition process does slow some when composting during winter as the temperature drops, but bacteria, molds, and mites all survive and need energy to do their jobs.
How to get oxygen into worm compost?
You should add lots of dry, shredded paper, lifting it into your worm compost to bring additional oxygen into your system. Lift up the dry shredded paper or bedding every few weeks and gently dig to the bottom of the tray, taking care not to disrupt the worms too much. If the material at the bottom of your tray or bin looks wet and smells a little, ...
How to keep worms in a worm bin?
Lift up the bedding and underlying material to bring air into the system. Keep your worm bin in an environment with a fairly constant temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold. Never keep your worm bin in an area that receives direct sun exposure, or in an area that will become colder than 5 degrees Celcius.
How to get worms to eat fruit and veggie waste?
Resist the urge to add water, even if the bin is looking dry. Instead, try running your fruit and veggie waste through a food processor, breaking it down and making it available more quickly to the worms and other micro-organisms. Remember, for best results, feed your worms according to All Things Organic's One Spot Rule.
What are the ingredients in worm compost?
Some worm composters add amendments to their bins, which contain lime, oyster shells, rock powder and egg shells . These amendments require additional knowledge and understanding of how additive ingredients mix into the worm bin environment; too much of one element can send your bin out of balance.
What is the only predator you're likely to see in your worm bin?
Generally reddish, they move fast and are the only worm predator you're ever likely to ever see in your bin. If you see one, remove it carefully by hand. Careful - they pinch! Bacteria are by far the most numerous organisms in your bin, along with molds and fungi.
What is a worm bin?
When fully balanced and working productively, a worm bin is home to an array of insects and micro-organisms. Not to worry; every single one of those creatures prefers to stay inside the worm bin.
Where are mites found in worm bins?
They are generally found on the surface amongst the upper layers of the bedding.