As H and I have expanded our CSA this year (we got fruit and veggies) we’ve realized that we are tossing out quite a bit of stuff that isn’t really garbage – mainly, compost. At the old place, this wouldnt have been that big of a problem – we had a compost heap, and all scrap food that could go into the compost heap went in there. Unfortunately, the old heap and container were too heavy to move, so we (I) decided that it will stay where it was, and I’d start over and make a new compost bin.
Honestly, I’m kind of thankful for the opportunity to start this over, as I learned a lot about composting with the old pit (including how far I was willing to go) to keep the pit running. Honestly, I didnt do as much as I could, so the compost pit wasnt humming along at full speed and wasnt really composting stuff too fast. However, I now know that I’d like to keep a compost heap, and that I’m not really a fan of having to stir it myself – so in the new heap, i’ll be looking for something that I can create that wont require a lot of stirring. I’d also like something that’s got a solid lid – the last compost heap I built had a wire screen lid – a great idea (I thought) until the first snow. The snow covered it up and slowly melted through, but as the snow was melting it re-froze again the next night, and the weight of the snow (and now ice) was too much for the screen, so it ripped.
There are a few other (minor) issues that I’d like to work on for my new compost heap (such as location and size) and I’ll need to figure those out. For now though, this project is in the “research” stage. One part of having a new (to us) house is the chance to restart everything, but the bad part is that it will take ages to get where you want to be. Good thing I’ve got time!
So, I ask all of you
- Do you have a compost bin? If so, where did you get your plans?
- Are you interested in a compost bin? If so, what sort of plans are you considering?
It’s one of the things that sits on the fringe of ‘That Sounds Really Awesome’ and ‘There Isn’t Time For That’ so it hasn’t gotten done. I’m interested to hear how it goes if you move forward.
@Money Beagle – AMEN, and AMEN! I am totally with you. Each winter, I find myself saying how much I want to start a compost pile in the spring, and each fall, I find myself thinking how I never found the time to do it.
My dad, however, does have a compost bin. He also has a far larger – and more private – lot on which to do it.
I think that’s part of the reason I’ve kind of dragged my heels on this. I dont know where to put it, I dont know how big to make it, and I dont have time to do this right now (still messing with the inside of the house)
We have two and whilst they’re mainly for grass cuttings from the mower we put all sorts in there: old veg, veg cuttings, fruit peel, leaves etc. It really is a good idea to get one, saves a lot of space in the bin!
Ours aren’t really bins, but rather a few fences nailed together to create a cove-like construction that you can easily tip things into.
I had a compost bin at our old place. It was similar to a garbage can with vents and no bottom, so if I had had a place to put it at our new place, I could easily have moved it and the mulch would have been left behind. I’m guessing you could do something similar with an actual garbage can or crate of some sort. Good luck!
I had a compost bin at the old place too – and I kinda miss it. I’ll have to look around the web for some solutions to see what the best option for me is.
It’s stuff like this that scares me and excites me about buying a house one day. I doubt I would ever have a compost bin, but then again I don’t really know since I don’t have a house or a yard, so I’m excited to learn what I do and don’t need.
Here’s hoping I get that house in less than 2 years!
absolutely kevin – lets hope its in an awesome place too! Owning a home has a lot of challenges, but most of them are worth it.
I’ve never composted before, but my company is adding composting and single stream recycling this month in line with our new corporate sustainability plan. I am excited to see it implemented.
that is pretty sweet eric – awesome of your company to do that. Do you know what they are going to do with all the compost?
I’m with Money Beagle. I keep thinking that I’m going to get something going every spring, and then still haven’t by the time it’s all buried in snow. It would be nice, however, because I think we throw away a lot of stuff that could make yummy plant food later. And our soil here could really use some nice amendments. Maybe next spring!
I look forward to hearing what you decide to do though!