View Full Version : Composting questions
HELP...I am researching composting and have a TON of questions. I am clueless and just in the beginning phases. I do not know anyone who composts so I could use some advice from those who know. :)
1- I live in the NE and winter is quickly approaching. Does this have any affect on composting as opposed to starting in the spring/summer. I am hoping that by starting now, the bugs will be less.
2- If composting in the fall/winter is still advisable, should I get a HUGE bin for a family of 4.5 (12mo DD is the half) since we would not be using the compost until April or May?? What size? We will be composting food scraps and yard waste ~ we have a LARGE yard.
3- Do you have a favorite bin? Favorite website/BM stores? I am currently looking at these:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100619271
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100643898
http://www.amazon.com/Tumbleweed-Composter-Tumbling-Compost-Bin/dp/B000SZPNCW/ref=pd_bbs_10?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1222881562&sr=8-10
For storing in the house while waiting to bring outside ~
http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-94-Stainless-Steel-Composter-Keeper/dp/B00061N0S2/ref=pd_bbs_4?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1222881562&sr=8-4
either this or a plastic Maxwell House container which I do not want to buy. ;)
4- Any favorite books & websites to help guide us?
5- What are your favorite ways of storing the finished product during the winter if the composter is full?
TIA, Green Mamas!!!! I truly am clueless so THANK YOU!!
1. Things will compost more slowly in the winter. But if your bin is in a place that gets a fair amount of sunlight, things will stay pretty warm in there. Once composting begins, that process generates a lot of heat, anyway. We started in the spring/summer, and have fairly mild winters, so our compost bin was "working" year round. I found that we didn't have a bug problem with our bin at all, no matter what the time of year.
2. We filled ours much more slowly than I anticipated (esp since we weren't composting lawn waste, just kitchen waste w/enough "browns" thrown in to keep things happy). Plus, once you have compost, you get to remove it from the bin and spread it around.
3. We got one similar to the first one you linked to. I liked it b/c it actually sat on the ground (versus the tumbling kind, which is totally self contained). Just make sure to put rat wire underneath to keep out rodents (we never had a problem with this). The benefit of having it on the ground was that the worms found their way in, and they are AWESOME for helping your stuff compost and worm castings are wonderful stuff for your garden.
A tight-closing lid is also a must.
We had a crock similar to the one you linked to for the kitchen. We had to empty/clean it pretty frequently or it would get really gross.
4. We just kind of played it by ear. DH had some experience composting before. Once it got going, it was quite self-sustaining and not a big deal to take care of, so we never read any books on the subject. Our general routine was: Collect scraps in kitchen (the smaller the scraps the better - cut up big pieces, don't add dairy or meat). Put scraps in composter. Top with "browns" (things like leaves, sticks, grass clippings, paper) occasionally. Stir occasionally (this was the hard part!). Wait. Get compost out of the bottom and spread in garden.
5. This was never a problem for us. Over the winter you're not producing much, if any, yard waste anyway.
We left our composter behind when we moved (waaaaaah), and will probably get another in the spring. I feel terrible about wasting food scraps and we could definitely use the compost in our yard.
GL!
lizajane
10-01-2008, 03:33 PM
here is what i did:
bought a trash can from home depot and drilled LOTS of holes in the bottom and sides.
dumped in some grass clippings and dried leaves with a few initial food scraps.
continued to add food scraps, as well as leaves, shredded paper and yard bits (we have pine needles, not leaves, so it is harded to get enough "brown" matter.)
"stir" a few times each week with a large shovel.
i usually leave the lid OFF to get the oxygen in there. but if it rains a lot, i close it. when the compost got TOO wet (starts to smell super funky!) i dumped it out on the driveway and let it dry out a bit, then carefully layered it with dried leaves.
i have used some, just by digging around and leaving any "chunks" in the bin and it is AMAZING what it does for your plants!!!
in the kitchen, i use repurposed yogurt containers with lids. (obviously, the large ones! not single serve!) i add my food bits as i go all day, then dump it out once/day or every other day. when the container is yucky, i just wash it. i plan to get a countertop composter, but when i went to buy one, the store was out of stock. should be back soon.
i compost:
rinsed egg shells
coffee grinds and the filter
all fruit and vegetables
bread scraps that do NOT have butter or cheese on them
wine corks
dryer lint (seriously!)
spent plants (dead flowers, etc.)
rice
pasta (plain, no sauce of any kind)
and we DO have bugs in our compost, but i looked 'em up and they are beneficial. just like worms! i let the kids toss worms in the bin sometimes because they love to worm hunt. :)
kristenk
10-01-2008, 03:35 PM
We're very lazy composters. We don't really turn the compost as we should, etc., so it takes a little longer for everything to break down. With that said, we still get quite a bit of compost. DH uses it to prep beds and spread over the lawn, etc. It stays at the bottom of the bin until he needs to use some.
We actually have two compost bins. The first one we got was like the first one you linked. The second is a giant rubbermaid compost bin that DH's dad gave us b/c they weren't using it and it came with the house when they purchased it. It holds a whole lot more than the first one.
We finally purchased something to store scraps. Here it is: http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=10027&cat=2,33140&ap=1
We were keeping the kitchen pail under the kitchen sink but it takes up too much room and I, frankly, find it gross to open up and add more stuff and the liquid at the bottom after emptying it is so icky to me. My solution is to keep the kitchen pail out in the garage and let DH take care of it! lol I just bought a 1-qt. stainless steel pet bowl at Target yesterday that I'm going to use for scraps while I'm cooking.
Thank you so much, ladies!
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