Compost is essential for healthy plant growth. Even so, you need to create quality compost if you wish to obtain the best results.
Additionally, you have to maintain the right climatic conditions around the compost to boost the healthy growth of beneficial microbes. So, where should compost be, in the sun or shade?
Placing compost in the sun
Compost should generally stay moist at all times. Placing compost in the sun helps in speeding up the decomposition process. Nevertheless, it is best to water the compost because it dries out quickly while in the sun.
Placing compost in the sun also means that you won’t need to use a lot of carbon material. This is because the compost materials are likely to dry out when placed in a sunny area.
Placing compost in the shade
Placing your compost in the shade is also okay. However, note that in shady places, the compost is more likely to remain cool. Subsequently, the decomposition process will be slower.
In shady areas, compost is likely to stay moist for more extended periods. Thus, you will have to add more carbon materials to the compost from time to time. Also, monitor the compost in the shade to ensure it does not get waterlogged.
Consider the climatic conditions of your area
You can place your compost in the sun or the shade; it all depends on your preference. The climatic conditions will also determine whether you place the compost in the shade or the sun.
For instance, if you live in a cool area, it would be best to place the compost in the sun. On the flip side, if you stay in hot regions, place the compost under the shade. This way, it won’t dry out quickly. Bottom of Form
Be careful to use the right compost ingredients
When making your compost mix, ensure you use the right ingredients. This is the only way the compost will deliver maximum functionality. Typically, your garden compost requires a good mix of carbon, water, nitrogen, and oxygen to help grow your garden well.
If you don’t use the right materials on your compost, the location won’t matter; it won’t deliver the required nutrients. Fortunately, selecting the right ingredients for your compost is not as complex as most people think. There is a lot of information on the internet that can help you choose the right ingredients for your compost.
If you plan to create homemade compost, find the right ingredients. Then, decide whether you’ll place the compost in the sun or the shade based on the climatic conditions of your area.
Some of the best compost ingredients to use include straw, peat moss, and manure. Consult a gardening expert on the best materials to use for your compost.
Where can you place a compost bin?
It is essential to find a good location for your compost bin. Generally, the site you choose should suit your compost requirements.
- Choose a uniform, well-drained Site:
As a gardener, you need to place your compost on uniform ground. The ground should not be too low or too raised. This way, the compost won’t run off on rainy days. Also, you have to select an area that has proper drainage.
Failure to do so would make you have soggy compost. When compost becomes waterlogged, it gets smelly. Note that it is crucial to place the compost bin in an upright position directly onto the soil. Doing this helps you drain all excess liquids away from the compost.
- Accessible Location:
The area you place the compost bin should not be too far away from the main house. If you place the compost in a distant location, accessing it would be a hustle.
Also, you won’t be able to monitor the compost closely. The compost location should also have a clear pathway that enables you to transport compost on your wheelbarrow without difficulty.
- Consider working space:
The compost area should have a working space. This will give you enough room for mixing and turning the compost when necessary. If the area encompassing the compost bin is crowded, you may not have enough space to work on your compost. As a result, you won’t be able to produce quality compost.
- Place the compost bin near plants:
Gardening experts often advise placing a compost bin near your plants. If the compost is far away from the plants, you’ll have a hard time transporting it when it’s ready. When compost is near your plants, you won’t struggle moving it to the plants.
- Avoid extremely cold and hot regions:
Do not place your compost in extremely cold areas. Doing this reduces the rate of decomposition. If you live in a very cold area, look for a spot that receives sunlight from time to time.
Warm temperatures fasten the composting process. Hot regions are also not conducive to the composting process. Remember, compost should stay moist. Compost placed in extremely hot temperatures dries out fast. High temperatures can overheat the bin and dehydrate the compost.
- Avoid windy areas:
Gardeners should not place their compost bins in windy areas. Windy areas foster a faster evaporation rate. Hence, they will dry out the compost much faster. If your area experiences too much wind, it would be best to install windbreakers around the area.
- Leave room for growth:
Keep in mind that you may end up creating different compost mixes at the end of each planting season. So, when placing your compost, it is always good to leave room for more compost bins.
Leave extra space for approximately three compost bins or more. It all depends on your preference. However, this primarily works if you have a large yard.
- Near a water source:
Compost thrives when placed close to a water source. Remember, compost needs to stay moist for best results. So, if possible, place it close to a water source. This way, you won’t have to keep watering the compost manually from time to time.
Consider placing a hose pipe next to the compost bin. Then, you can turn it on and off depending on your requirements. Nonetheless, avoid placing the compost near a well or any other natural water body.
Compost is usually rich in nitrogen, and this nutrient can pollute nearby water sources.
- Stay away from your neighbor:
Avoid placing your compost right next to your neighbor’s fence. Over time, compost tends to smell. Therefore, it can be an inconvenience to your neighbors.
Remember, you don’t want your neighbors to start complaining of foul smells coming from your property. Do not place the compost near someone else’s property to maintain peace between you and your neighbors.
- Aesthetic considerations:
When it comes to choosing a location for your compost, you might want to consider the aesthetics in your yard. If you think the compost bin looks ugly in its present location, then look for another place for your compost bin.
Fortunately, you can use a privacy screen to hide the compost bin. Alternatively, place the compost bin behind some vegetation in the yard.
So, what is the Best Place for a Compost Bin?
Ultimately, the best place for your compost bin depends on various factors. Some of these factors include the type of compost bin, the climatic conditions of your area, and the size of the bin.
Some compost bins only work best when placed outdoors. On the other hand, some bins are specially designed for both outdoor and indoor use. If you live in cold regions, it is advisable to place the compost bin outdoors.
Regardless of the location of the compost bin, ensure all conditions in the area foster the formation of quality compost. Also, choose a site that’s easily accessible.
You can compost either in the sun or shade; it all depends on your compost requirements.
