Composting is nature’s way of turning organic materials such as kitchen waste and yard scraps into something useful for your plants. Many people think that this process can be smelly, complicated, ugly and time-consuming. To make your composting experience a pleasant one, make sure that you have just the right conditions.
Composting doesn’t have to be smelly if you have the right amount of air and moisture, and the ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio. Building the pile over bulky materials like bamboo poles or cornstalks will allow air to flow into the pile. To keep the pile moist (but not wet), cover it with leaves or newspaper. Knowing which materials are nitrogenous and carboniferous will help you maintain the ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio.
The amount of time needed to finish composting will depend on the amount of work that you put into it. If you completely neglect your compost pile, it will finish in about 6 to 12 months. But if you construct your compost pile carefully and turn it regularly, it can finish in just about 2 weeks. Breaking down the components prior to composting will help speed up the process.
The composting process will only be complicated if you make it so. One of the most important things that you have to remember is to refrain from putting in certain things into your compost pile: things that will attract scavengers; toxic things like animal or human excretions; contaminated plant matters; hard or injurious things; and non-biodegradable items.
Composting can be an issue if you are pressed for space or live in an urban or suburban area where open compost piles are strictly prohibited. One effective solution to this is to buy a composter tumbler.
An effective and efficient alternative to the traditional way of doing your composting is using a composter tumbler. This gadget requires little effort as you only need to turn it a few times a day. It is simple enough to use, so those who are new to composting need not worry. It is definitely easier to use than a pitchfork which you use when turning an open pile manually. Those who do not have much time to devote to composting will find this gadget to be very helpful.
For those who live in an area where open compost piles are restricted (or where neighbors don’t appreciate open compost piles), you can find that the composter tumbler will solve this issue. This gadget is also helpful if scavenging pests are a problem in your neighborhood. A composter tumbler is clean, enclosed, tidy, unobtrusive, compact and pest-resistant.
Open compost piles need to be watered frequently to retain moisture. However, the composter tumbler retains moisture better because it is enclosed. With this gadget, you can still have nutrient-rich compost even during the dry season.
If you find that buying a composter tumbler is way beyond your budget, you can just make one. All you need are these items and tools: a clean barrel (25-30 liter capacity), pieces of lumber (2 x 4), wooden planks, screws, nails, electric drill, paint, galvanized rod (3/4 inch) and hammer. Make sure that your barrel is clean and free of any toxic materials.