Want to help the planet and increase the success of your garden? Composting is for you! If it’s new for you, it was completely new for me too. I did a lot of research after we got a compost bin and am excited to share what I think is everything you need to know to start composting. Join Helping Homestead to see more content on gardening and self-sufficient living. You can also follow us on social media to see updates on my own journey with composting!
Types of Composters
Tumbling Compost Bin
- Pros: Compost needs to be turned - spinning a tumbling bin is easier than manually flipping over a pile with a shovel or pitch fork.
- A tumbling bin is compact and perfect for a smaller yard.
- Cons: size - it is perfect for our small yard and family, but of course you can only put in as much as it will hold, which for this model is 37 gallons.
- Assembly was very difficult! My husband affectionately states that you need to “be a contortionist” to get the final panel of the cylinder installed. He was able to do it (despite his inflexibility) but did not exactly enjoy the process.
Dual Chamber Compost Bin - once your compost is established, you put your compostable items in on one side and once they have broken down sufficiently, the compost will filter into the second chamber. That way, everything in the second chamber will be ready for use and you’ll only place new items in the first chamber.
This is the kind we have! You can find it here on Amazon.
Stationary Bin
Here is an example of a stationary bin from Wayfair. You can also add on chambers if you decide you want more space for compost.
- Pros: The spaces between wood planks allow for more airflow than a tumbling bin which can aid in the time it takes to break down the compost.
- Even one of these bins will fit more compost than a tumbling bin if you are looking for more volume.
- Cons: This is pretty out in the open and hard to “tuck away” if you don’t have a large property.
- If your compost is wet and smelling, you’ll likely notice it more than from a tumbling bin
- Even though cedar is rot resistant, it isn’t rot proof. Over time, bugs and excess moisture will eventually take its toll.
- Turning weekly with a shovel or pitch fork can be pretty difficult, especially once it’s getting full.
Open composting/Compost Pile
A compost pile is pretty much exactly what it sounds like - an open pile of all your components right there on the ground. Most people recommend building at least three sides to help contain the pile, but it’s not exactly necessary.
- Pros: you can get away with setting this up 100% for free or for very little cost/effort to assemble.
- Cons: Well… you will have a literal pile of decomposing materials out in the open. Smell, appearance, and bugs are something to consider if you keep this close to your home or any part of your outdoor space you spend time in.
- Back to the fact that turning with a shovel is harder than tumbling a cylinder. Also, if you don’t have some sides to the pile to form a border, your pile will tend to spread as it grows rather than simply getting deeper/taller as it would when using a bin.
Getting Started
Location of Compost Bin
- No full sun! If your compost is in a location that gets sun all day, that much heat can kill the microorganisms needed to create great compost.
- Smell: Even in a closed, tumbling compost bin, there may be a smell depending on what you put in it, how wet it is, and if the pH level is off. This is something to consider before putting your compost near the house or any outdoor living spaces.
What Can Be Composted?
First we need to get some compostables in! You can purchase “compost starter,” manure, or start with other recommended materials like lawn clippings, dirt, and leaves.
Download this Cheat Sheet for an easy reference for what can and cannot go in your compost.
Kitchen Compost Storage
Already starting to dread running out to the compost bin every time you prep for a meal? Don’t worry - there are so many options for kitchen storage until you make it out to your compost area.
Options like this one are worth considering paying a bit extra for. The carbon filter will help keep the smell contained if it it takes you longer than you planned to empty your scraps into the compost.
If you plan on using something you already have at home, just make sure it isn't air tight. You don't want to kill off all the good bacteria before it even makes it to your compost bin.
Compost Moisture Levels
There is a risk of completely drying out the contents of your compost bin. To avoid this, make sure to always balance “dry items” like dead leaves/brush with “wet items” like produce scraps, lawn clippings, etc.
- Add water once a week in hot weather or if you are adding mainly dry elements.
When is your Compost Ready?
Your compost will look like regular, old dirt when it’s ready. You shouldn’t be able to see any remnants of things you’ve put in the compost.
General Composting Tips
Whether you have a rolling bin, traditional bin, or open pile, the more often you turn your compost, the faster it will form.
Really strong smell may actually indicate something is wrong. Balance be sure to balance wet and dry and reference the cheat sheet so that you're only adding appropriate items.
How to use your Compost
- Compost is super food for plants! You can spread it over the top of existing plants and rain/water will still allow all the great nutrients to reach down into the roots.
- Raised beds/pots: Mix compost in with potting soil or dirt for raised beds,
- Compost can also be sprinkled over your lawn or around the base of fruit trees to give a boost.
Now you are ready to begin your own backyard composting journey! Check back in on social media or on our blog page to see how our compost is turning out and join Helping Homestead today to post or apply to local listings for garden or hobby farm care.
