Keeping compost in a garden is not a cup of tea. It is among the most significant challenges among gardeners. This is because of several issues, including the place to store.
One of the suggested places is in a bin. Bins have been identified as popular with gardeners.
Why put your compost in a compost bin
There are several reasons why gardeners prefer compost bins over piling the compost. This includes:
- Safety in the storage of the compost
- Controlled decomposition of the compost
- Protection from rodent invasion
The bins are an alternative to the piling up of compost. This is especially when the gardens are small. The bins are also considered safer and more appealing. Compost bins are also preferred for reducing the mess in the compound.
There is also a connection between compost bins and faster decomposition. Experts argue that a gardener can easily control the conditions in a compost bin. This control is vital in delivering the desired results.
The bins are also known to keep rodents away. Most rodents love to search through a pile of compost for food. The rodents can cause a big mess in an open field.
That is why bins work well for many gardeners. Plastic beans are most common for such purposes. They make it harder for rodents to access the compost.
Should I put earthworms in my compost bin?
The decomposition issue in compost bins is of significant interest among gardeners. Experts argue that gardeners can control the rate of decomposition in compost bins. Introducing earthworms is one of the ways that this is achieved.
But some experts argue that you do not need worms to accelerate decomposition. The decomposition happens naturally when exposed to natural forces.
There is also an argument that worms do not have to be introduced by a gardener. They eventually find themselves in the compost.
But gardeners can also choose the worms to add to a compost bin. This depends on their knowledge of the value of each of these worms.
The red wigglers have been recommended for most compost bins. They are also known to survive well. They are heavy feeders and aerate the compost in containers.
But the type of earthworm to introduce is minor. The primary requirement is to have the worms aerate the compost. A compost bin must be left open at the bottom part. This can help the compost attract more worms from the ground.
Can I put dryer lint in my compost?
The issue of adding dryer lint in compost is a complex affair. A gardener must understand what the lint is. These are dry fibers collected from textile fibers. It can also be outsourced from other materials in the manufacture of clothing.
The collected fibers are considered rich in carbon. They are therefore known to have additional nutrient value for the compost. It is, therefore, essential to consider adding them when improving compost quality in a bin.
The lint also contributes to faster decomposition of the compost. They also improve the soil structure. The lint builds on a solid structure of the soil. They can be an excellent mulch to conserve moisture in a compost bin.
The presence of lint in compost can also prevent weeds. This is why adding them is recommended to quickly control pests in a garden. But the gardener can still use pest control.
However, adding lint to a compost bin has a downside. Experts have identified that some lint contains chemicals. These are chemicals collected during the production process.
Such chemicals may have adverse effects on the compost. The effects may further be transferred to the garden. Gardeners are warned of the high levels of acidity that may come from the lint.
Should you put eggshells in compost?
Traditionally, adding eggshells to a compost bin has been a common practice. The recommendation is aimed at adding the nutrient value of compost. The eggs shells contain essential nutrients. They are known to add calcium and other essential nutrients to the compost.
But there are some requirements before adding egg shells to compost. It is essential to dry the eggshells first. The egg shells can be dried using the natural sun or in an oven. This makes them easier to crush before they are added to the compost.
A coffee grinder is among the pieces of equipment that serves the great purpose of crushing eggshells. This is especially when the gardeners need very fine powder from the egg shells. The idea is to ensure that the shells decompose faster.
Leaving big eggshells in compost is not advisable. They prevent proper aeration of the compost. They also decompose very slowly. This means that they may only be used for a short time in a garden.
Advantages of a compost bin
There are several reasons why gardeners love using a bin for their compost. These are the benefits of the bin over open piling.
1. One of the significant advantages is the reduction of waste in the garden. The bin only spills a little compost on the ground.
2. The transportation of the compost to a desired location is also easier using a bin. Gardeners only have to decide where to take the bin after the compost is ready. Bins also reduce the landfills that are common with open piling.
3. Using a bin also saves energy and money for the gardener. The gardeners only had a little to do, unlike in the case of piling. The compost does not have to be turned regularly.
This reduces the amount of work and effort. It also reduces the cost of labor where a gardener may be using hired labor.
Disadvantages of a compost bin
1. But there are also some drawbacks to using a compost bin. The cost involved in purchasing the bin is a turn-off. Some gardeners may need help to afford the high cost of bins.
2. The bins may also need regular maintenance. This is especially after the compost has been transferred to the farm.
3. Preparing the compost in a bin is a tedious process. The compost in the bins may also take longer to decompose. This is especially if a gardener needs to be better-skilled. The composted bins require regular interventions to fasten the decomposition.
4. Compost bins are usually plastic. This is why they are considered as not friendly to the environment. The effects of plastics on the environment are diverse. The bins can be an environmental concern if not disposed of properly.
Do compost bins get smelly?
All types of compost have a nasty smell. This is because the compost keeps decaying. The decomposition of organic matter cannot go without odor. But there are better ways of reducing the bad smells.
- The compost bins need to be well maintained. This requires minor adjustments to prevent the annoying or unpleasant odor.
Lining a newspaper sprinkled with baking soda at the bottom of the bin has been known to work. The procedure reduces the odor substantially.
How long can you leave compost in a compost bin?
There is no definite time to store the compost in a bin. The gardener should only be worried about the compost’s quality if it stays too long.
The recommendation is to check the compost regularly. The compost should be transferred to the garden immediately after it is ready.
The time of leaving the compost is also determined by how well it is stored. It is necessary to have the compost stored in a cool and dry place.
The main goal should be to preserve the available nutrients that will benefit the garden. It is recommended that 3 to 6 months maximum is enough to keep the compost in a bin.
The value a compost bin adds to a gardener
Finally, let us reflect on what you have learned from this article. It must have come to your knowledge that storing compost is a skill that every gardener should have. It is important to find the right way of doing it.
One of the common ways among gardeners is the use of a compost bin. Compost bins are used because they are easier to install and hold the compost.
But then there are advantages and disadvantages of using compost bins. The gardener should weigh the benefits and decide the type of bin to introduce in their garden.
Knowing how long to keep the compost in the bin is also essential. The goal should be to use the bin to your advantage to prepare better garden compost thus improve the soil.