Composting is a wonderful way to take old kitchen scraps and
fallen leaves and turn them into something worthwhile for your garden. By
adding just a little compost to your soil, you can reap the benefits of richer
soil, improv soil structure, and retain water, plus add important
micronutrients back into the earth. Dark, “black gold” compost is easy to make
with leftover fruit peels, vegetable discards, and house plants – but where do
you keep your compost? Which is better, a compost bin or a compost tumbler?
Below is a simple examination explaining the differences between the two.
Compost Bins
If you're beginning to compost, then a bin is probably your
best bet. Depending on much space you have in yard or garden and how much you
plan to compost will dictate how big of a bin you should buy. Remember that you
will have to turn the compost on your own, and that plastic bins are more
narrow, which means the compost does not always fully heat up.
While there are many types of bins that hold composting
materials, most compost bins are either square or cone-shaped and made of
plastic or wood. Most commercial compost bins are plastic, and are a good start
for beginning composters. Those with more experience or are avid gardeners are
more likely to benefit more from a homemade wooden bin. Be honest with how much
you think you'll compost – if you're collecting kitchen scraps, plants, and
leaves, you will due just fine with a small sized plastic compost bin.
Regardless of which type of bin you buy, make sure to add
wire mesh at the bottom of the bin to keep out rodents and other curious critters.
You'll also need to turn the compost through the opening with a shovel or
garden fork. You can opt to purchase a compost aeration tool to get the best
results. Keep up your environmentally friendly behavior by buying a bin made
from 100% recycled plastic.
Compost Tumblers
Compost tumbler manufacturers say that you will get finished
compost in two to three weeks. It's more reasonable that it will take a little
longer than that to make compost, but buying a tumbler can yield some great
results.
Unlike compost bins, tumblers come with a handle that allows
your compost to “tumble,” or aerate so you don't have to turn it over with
gardening tools. Turning your compost pile is very important, but it also
involves a lot of work. By getting a tumbler, you're more likely to create more
compost in a shorter amount of time, simply by removing some of the work
involved with aerating a compost pile.
Of course, there's a disadvantage to making the work
easier for yourself. Compost tumblers tend to be more expensive than compost
bins for a smaller holding capacity. Moreover, once your compost heap is full,
it can still be difficult to turn (compost is heavy!) despite having the extra
help.
No matter which kind of container you choose to help you
begin composting, it will help you break down unwanted materials and turn them
into earthy mulch you can spread throughout your garden. Think about your yard
space and how much you plan on composting, choose your compost bin or tumbler,
and get started spreading nutrient-rich soil across your lovely garden!
Author Bio: Nadia Osman is a freelance author for articles
and blogs who writes about environmentalism, composting, and Phase I Assessment
sites.
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