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As mentioned in a garden compost with leaves, this year we are building a compost. Since we are using leaves, we need to buy a compost bin in order to make it more organized. Depending on your space, find the best compost bin for your garden. Take into consideration the size of garden you plan to grow. Based on this, build the right amount of compost you need for the garden you are growing this summer.
Composting is worth it for those who want to create their own nutrient-rich soil amendments for a yard, garden, or flower bed. Turning yard waste and kitchen scraps into compost is an excellent way to save money, make use of otherwise discarded material, and prevent unneeded landfill waste.
I recently shared a garden compost with leaves as well as a Spring clean-up garden checklist on the usefulness of having a compost bin. This is to expand a little further on buying the best compost bin for your garden.
What 8 Criteria To Look For When Buying A Compost Bin?
8 Criteria To Look For When Buying A Compost Bin
- Space
- Investment
- Sale
- Colour
- Strength
- Air Flow
- Turning Bins
- Lid
1. It Is Relative To The Space Of Your Garden and Backyard
We live in a city and have a small backyard. Buying a large compost bin not only takes up too much space, it is simply not needed for us. The garden is not as big as someone with more land. Be mindful of your space so that it does not stand out like a sore thumb in your backyard. Find an area in your backyard, such as a corner, that is out of the way and place it there. The pictures above and below show two kinds of compost bins for a small backyard.
How Big Of A Composter Do I Need?
A family of 1-4 requires a 4.5 – 20 cubic foot composter depending on whether you add yard and garden waste to compost.
2. Frugal Living Long Term Investment
Is Homemade Compost Better Than Store Bought?
Yes. You can make nutrient rich and pesticide-free organic compost in your own backyard.
Once you buy a compost bin, you can expect to have it for the rest of your life, as long as it is taken care of from time to time. This means, making sure that it is cleaned once a year and the lid closes properly. You will be using it year after year to build your vegetable garden so it will be used all year round. It is relatively low in price and will go into use right away. This is a practical purchase, if you plan to build a garden. Look for one that has a locking lid or put a brick on the lid to ensure that raccoons do not go into it and make a mess.
3. Look For A Sale
Again, even though this is a long-term purchase and you are buying it once, why not find a sale? This is the time to look for one. We do not need to buy a bin. You may not have to buy one either. The city gives a green bin for compost they collect. However, if you are planning on buying a compost bin, right now is a good time to start looking for a sale. Garden supply stores are open and have a good variety of styles to choose from.
We have not been using ours but this year will use it to make our own compost bin for our garden. Avoid using a garbage bag in you bin to keep it clean. I do not think the plastic is good for the compost. The only way to deal with cleaning the compost is to do it around the fall and start again. This way it gets a proper cycle and you can begin with new scraps and new fall leaves for the next Spring.
4. Camouflage Colour Bin
Similar to the size of the bin you have on your property, be mindful of the colour. You do not want it to stand out like a sore thumb. Colours like black, green or brown are subtle and somewhat less noticeable. A compost bin does not smell nice and it not a feature in a backyard. Having a bright colour just leads more attraction to something that is filled with garbage and smells bad. Keep it at a distance so you do not smell it and in a corner if possible, so that it does not stand out.
5. Strong Bin
If you are going to buy a compost bin, buy one that is sturdy. Bins made of flimsy material are not going to do much for you long-term. They will break down much faster and will not be able to withstand the elements. When you purchase a compost bin, make sure that it is a thick material and able to break down the contents inside. The better the material is, the longer you can expect it to last.
Do Compost Bins Need To Be In The Sun?
Keep in mind that the organic matter will decompose faster in sun from the heat. This is also a good reason to buy a good quality compost bin that will not deteriorate from being in the sun all the time.
Choose quality over price. If there is a sale on a flimsy one and the sturdy one costs more, buy the more expensive one because it will last much longer. In this case, quality outweighs a sale.
6. Proper Air Flow
Check to see that there are proper vents on it. If they have holes on the side or the top and around it will promote good air circulation that will help decompose the contents faster. With proper circulation you are giving it breathing room to break down and de-compost.
7. Turning Compost Bins
Are Rotating Compost Bins Better?
Depending on how large your garden is you can purchase a turning style compost bin. It mixes the material inside the bin to help even out the decomposition. These compost bins can be purchased large or small in size. They have a drum that sits on a stand which you can be turned from time to time with a handle. It makes it easier and not as smelly when you buy one like this. These are ideal for an average sized backyard garden.
How Often Should I Flip My Compost?
It is suggested to rotate your compost every 4-5 weeks. A turning compost bin makes rotating your compost easy which will make composting faster.
How Long Does It Take To Make Compost?
3-6 months to over a year depending on whether you add water and turn the pile regularly.
8. Proper Closed Lid
It is hot in the summer time and animals come out at night. In my neighbourhood, racoons like to hang out. They have tried getting into our garbage bins in the past. We have a few bricks on top of the bins that the racoons do not lift up. With the compost bins, depending on where you live, consider buying a bin that has a steady lid. Keep the lid closed at all times and makes sure that it is shut.
In Summary
Everyone will have different needs and criteria to satisfy. Keep these 8 considerations in mind before shopping for a compost bin. Good luck buying the best compost bin for your garden this summer.
April 14, 2022
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