Composting

We have tired several different methods of composting. I have had a large 15′ by 20′ by 5′ deep open pile. This was used this method for several years. The biggest problem that I found was that it was very difficult to retrieve finished compost.  The new materials would go on top of the pile and the old is way on the bottom. Time it takes to dig out the good stuff I am already too tired to gather what I need for the garden.

I changed our system to a 3-bin compost system.  The compost system has a foot print of  12′ by 4′ by 4′.  This design gives me 3 approximately 2.37 cubic yard bins.  As long as the bins are larger than 1 cubic yard, 3′ x 3′ x 3′, the compost will heat up and decompose properly. I have not installed the removable fronts. I will being installing this on 2 of them bins this fall, after I use up most of the compost.

When using the 3 bin compost method without a removable front you will notice that the system is not used to its potential. The fronts allow you to stack the bin full. This way you make a true cube of compost. Without the fronts I have a right triangle of compost, loosing half of my available space.

Methods of composting

Composting is not limited to a golden rule on how to achieve the black gold. You can achieve great compost by building up a large pile in the back corner of the yard. Also you can invest in a large compost turner. I have found that the simple in between works best for my application.

Which method works for you is reliant on what materials you have for composting.  If you are composting kitchen scrapes and little bit of yard waste. Then a small compost turner may be the optimal option for you. If you are composting large amounts of yard waste, animal bedding, etc. A large three bin system may be best. Also same goes if you are planing on composting kitchen scrapes and leaves form the fall. A nice large compost turner may suit you the best.

Common Methods are:

• Open Air Piles
• Compost turners
• Three Bin system (Size pending on your materials)
• Fenced ring pile
• Poultry Run Compost

Yes, that last one is real. I see others do it, I noticed it happening in my runs as well. The chicken and ducks like to scratch the ground and dig for bugs, build nest. They turn and turn and turn the pile of old bedding until it is truly black gold.