Have you recently started composting or want to try a new method of composting?
Do you want to try using a compost bin to make your own compost?
Are you looking for easy instructions to help you compost in a bin?
Whether you have never tried composting yet or are thinking of trying a new way to compost, this article could help you try out composting in a compost bin. In this article, we are sharing all the details you will need to start making your own compost using a compost bin.
Read about why a compost bin can be a good choice to compost, if there are any points you need to be careful about, how you can use it, how much compost it can produce, and a lot more.
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Advantages of using compost bins instead of compost tumblers
Whatever way of composting you choose, the fact that you are composting is already a great start. However, with different means of composting available, it is possible that one method could end up being more convenient than the other. Also, your individual needs and circumstances will also have a big role in deciding which method works better for you.
Here are a few ways in which a compost bin could be better than using a compost tumbler:
- No need to move it around: Compost bins are meant to be kept in one place, which means you don’t have to move it around. This can be helpful when you want to keep the bin in one place and don’t want to move it around.
- Larger capacity: Compost bins usually have a larger capacity as compared to a compost tumbler. This means that you can more compost at once, instead of making repeatedly in small batches.
- Lighter in weight: A compost bin will usually be lighter in weight than a compost tumbler as it is made in such a way that it only has to support the weight of the materials you add to make the compost.
- Open bottom: This is also another very useful feature of a compost bin, because it makes it easier for you to remove the compost once it is ready to be used.
Disadvantages of using compost bins instead of compost tumblers
While there are advantages to using a compost bin instead of a compost tumbler, there are a few disadvantages too that you should keep in mind before choosing one.
- Less durable: A compost bin is less durable as compared to a compost bin. This is because, the compost bin is made with thinner plastic that is only meant to support the weight of the materials you add for composting. Compost tumblers are more durable because they are made in a way that they can hold the full weight of the structure.
- Difficult to stir: If you have a big pile of compost, it can often be difficult to stir the contents in a compost bin, as compared to a compost tumbler. This is because you may miss out some parts of the compost mix while stirring it with a shovel. But spinning the tumbler makes it easier for all the contents inside to get mixed in properly.
Is it easy to use a compost bin?
Composting is a great way to create precious organic matter out of your waste, and using a compost bin can be really easy, once you try it out once or twice.
Is a compost bin great for beginners to use?
Anyone can use a compost bin, even a beginner. In fact, using compost bins is one of the first ways you can start your journey in the world of composting, especially because these are so convenient to use.
Easy tutorial on how to use a compost bin
– How to set up your compost bin
- Decide where you want to set up the compost bin (ideally on bare earth)
- Clean the space and remove any leaves or other debris.
- Flatten up the space at the bottom.
- Place the bottom part of the compost bin firmly on the ground.
- Next, attach the top part to the bottom. Make sure it is properly secured.
- If there are any other parts in the compost bin that you have, attach them now.
– What should go inside a compost bin?
- This offer leaves from plants and trees
- Peels and skins of fruits and vegetables (except citrusy ones)
- Coffee grounds
- Tea leaves
- Plain printer paper
- Black or white newspaper
- Freshly cut grass
- Cardboard
- Waste from the yard which has not been treated with any chemicals
- Wood shavings
- Sawdust
– What should NOT go inside a compost bin?
- No tea or coffee bags
- Avoid adding dairy-based products or scraps from meat and seafood as these can create a lot of odour in the compost pile
- Bones
- Onions and peels from citrus fruits as they can slow down the composting process
- Waste from house pets such as dog or cat waste
- Waste from the yard which has been treated with any chemicals
- Coloured newspaper or coloured paper
- Glossy paper
- Sticky paper labels on fruits and vegetables
- Sanitary waste
- Greasy food waste
– How to get compost started inside your bin
- Layer with brown material including brown leaves, twigs and sawdust.
- Add a layer of green materials.
- Add chicken manure if you have some.
- Spray water to keep the compost pile moist.
- Keep the bin covered.
- Turn it a few times a week to speed up the process.
– How to keep compost cooking inside the bin
- Have a good mix of ingredients that contain nitrogen and carbon.
- Keep turning the pile regularly.
- Ensure it is moist, not wet.
- Start off with a pile that is at least three or four feet in height.
– How to know when your compost is ready to use
Once the compost is ready, it will:
- Smell sweet and earthy
- Have a crumbly texture
- Look dark and rich in colour
Can you use it to produce a lot of compost in a month or a year?
Ideally, compost bins are great for producing compost, but they are not the best option if you are looking to create large-scale compost that could probably help out your entire farm.
Who is the ideal type of person to own and use a compost bin?
A compost bin will be great if you are looking to produce compost for your home use or for your family, kitchen, window or balcony garden. Using a compost bin will also be great if you are a small to medium size family.
The process of composting can take anything between a few months to almost a year, and sometimes, even more. Remember, the quality of the compost and how fast it is ready to use will also depend on various factors such as the ingredients you are using, the way the composting process is happening and even the weather where you are!
We would suggest you give the process its natural time and keep the above tips in mind. Even if you fail a few times, don’t give up, because eventually, the results you will see are worth trying for.