Composting Simplified: The Best Compost Bin and Methods

Composting is an essential part of sustainable gardening, especially for those practicing permaculture. A well-chosen compost bin or method can significantly enhance the quality of your soil and the health of your plants. In this article, we will explore the best compost bin options and methods tailored for home gardeners, including the benefits of direct composting as a mulch.

Why Not a Compost Bin?

In my permaculture garden, I opt for a simpler approach to composting, using materials directly as mulch. This method involves a minimal setup and effort, making it an attractive option for those looking to keep things straightforward. By burying weed-affected materials under your mulch, you not only enrich the soil but also suppress weeds. This direct method is especially effective if you’re dealing with materials that attract flies, as burying them can help control pests.

Easiest Compost Bins for Home Gardeners

If you decide that composting is something you want to incorporate into your routine, there are several easy-to-use compost bins available on the market, such as the Earth Machine. This cone-shaped bin eliminates the need for regular turning, which can be a time-consuming task. With the Earth Machine, you simply add your vegetable, fruit, and yard waste to the cone, and use an aerating tool to mix the materials and allow air in. There is a hatch at the bottom for accessing the finished compost, making the process much more manageable. My town sold discounted Earth Machines to residents, making it an affordably accessible option for composting at home. My mother even got hers for free! If you’re looking for a no-fuss solution, consider this type of compost bin. It combines functionality with ease of use, saving you a lot of physical effort.

The Best Compost Bin for You

Ultimately, the best compost bin is the one that works best for your needs and lifestyle. For those with ample space, a simple pile of compostable material in an out-of-the-way spot can work well, though turning it regularly is necessary. Alternatively, if you prefer a more structured approach, there are bins available that are divided into compartments to help with the turning process. However, these might be more complex and require a bit more maintenance. If you choose to create compost in larger batches, a drum-style compost turner like the one I use can be very effective. My compost turner is a long cylinder that I can turn end over end, allowing me to create a good load of compost from kitchen scraps and dried leaves. By stopping when the bin becomes too heavy to manage, I ensure that the material is mostly finished and ready for use within a few more weeks. For a more compact solution, a large plastic bucket with a cracked bottom can also be used, especially if you have immediate access to an area outside your home, such as a raised bed. This method, while smaller in scale, still provides a significant amount of compost for spring use.

Innovative Composting Methods

In colder climates, where the ground is frozen for extended periods, traditional composting methods can be challenging. In such cases, the Japanese method of bokashi composting can be a useful alternative. Bokashi composting involves using a specific microorganism to ferment organic waste in a closed container. While the resulting material is not exactly like traditional compost, it can be beneficial, especially for handling meat scraps. After a few weeks, the bokashi compost can be buried in the garden to enrich the soil.

Conclusion

With so many options available, the best compost bin or method is the one that suits your specific circumstances and gardening goals. By choosing a method that you are likely to use consistently, you can harness the full benefits of composting, from weed suppression and soil enrichment to the satisfaction of reducing waste. Happy composting!

Best of luck with your composting journey, and remember, the material you divert from landfills and the drain is truly like magic for your garden. Embrace the simplicity and benefits of composting!