Compost tumblers are a fairly recent invention. However, they’re marketed as easy to use and capable of making compost faster. And it’s true… They are an elegant solution for most backyard composters looking to convert organic waste into a valuable soil amendment. But how do compost tumblers actually work, and do they really compost faster…
If you’re thinking of lugging around some large quantities of compost, it can be helpful to know how much it’s going to weigh. However, the weight of compost varies according to its moisture content. The wetter the compost, the heavier it becomes. Commercially sold compost has variable levels of moisture depending on the season. Therefore,…
Most gardeners are in a hurry to reap the rewards of their composting efforts. And it’s understandable that from time to time, we get impatient! You might have started your compost heap hoping to have an endless supply of soil amendment for your plants. But for whatever reason, your pile looks nothing like the black…
Composting can seem complicated, especially when you’re just getting started. Understandably, as a result, we gardeners look for simple methods to make life easier. Anaerobic composting could be considered one of those methods since the gardener doesn’t need to do much work. But what exactly is anaerobic compost, and is it a good idea? In…
Composting is an activity every serious gardener will engage in at some point! And most gardeners are aware that earthworms are great for the soil on many levels, but how beneficial are they for creating compost? Should earthworms be included in your composting strategy to enrich the compost and break it down faster? Keep reading…
Yes, you “can”… in a trash can… I know… corny joke! But seriously, composting in a trash can is an easy way to make compost without complicated equipment. All you need is a garbage can and something to make holes. But even with something as mundane as a trash can, you have a variety of…
Compost bins come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Some of them have many holes, but others have none at all. And if you’re building a DIY bin, you could be left scratching your head wondering whether or not to put holes in it! But what are these openings for, and do you…
Compost bins don’t always suit everybody’s needs. For example, a traditional compost bin can be complicated for people with limited space. Or perhaps you just don’t want the expense of buying a bin right now. Bins do have some advantages, but they are not the only way to make nutrient-rich compost. In this article, I’ll…
There are so many different methods for the modern gardener to compost that the choice can be a little overwhelming. The traditional compost pile and the relatively recent compost bin are two common methods available to gardeners. Each has it’s pros and cons, but which method will be best for building your compost reserves? A…
Understanding if and how you should use ashes in compost can be confusing. For example, you hear a lot of gardeners using ashes as fertilizer in the soil. So should you just throw it directly onto earth, or is it better to put it in compost? And if you regularly use a fireplace or stove,…