I'm looking to start a compost bin. After doing much reading online, I've decided there is too much information online. So I'd like peoples actual experience, please. Will any type of bin work? I don't really have room for a big open compost bin. Are the small plastic ones ok? Some I've looked at had bases, I thought they had to touch the ground to work. Any advice or recommendations greatly appreciated!
I replied to this yesterday,,don`t know where it went ! Any kind of a bin will work! Even a large plastic tote but you will need to turn the contents occasionally ! Just put the greens and browns and any vegetable or fruit trimmings in the bin and if you want to speed up the process add some red worms! Same kind you use for fish bait ! They eat the contents and excrete the compost/worm castings ! They are not messy just be sure they are red worms not night crawlers ! Make sure it has some way to get air !
I have a plastic bin and have a pile at the back of the yard. I find the pile much easier to turn the contents. When I lived in the city and only had the bin, I would lift the bin and move it over a couple of feet and then shovel the contents into it. A lot easier that trying to reach into the bin to turn it.
For our kithcen as a beginner compost bin user we use this EPICA stainless steel compost bin. Works great for countertop compost collection. It uses a circle and square filter in the lid, and no problems with smell so far.
I have 3 of those cone shaped bins with a opening at the bottom and a lid. I don't turn it but still get good compost, the only thing is getting it out of the bottom. It hasn't got a base and it sits on the patio and the worms get in no problem. In fact they multiply so much they spill out of the bin.
In fall I just leave all my chopped leaves in a pile add kitchen scraps over the winter and by middle of next spring have dark lovely compost.
When it comes to compost bins, the options can be overwhelming. In terms of actual experiences, many people have found success with various types of bins. Small plastic compost bins can work well, especially if they are designed specifically for composting. While some bins have bases that touch the ground, it's not a requirement for successful composting. The base helps with airflow and drainage, but you can also achieve this by placing the bin on a bed of twigs or on a tray to catch any liquid runoff. The key factors for successful composting are maintaining the right balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials, proper aeration, and regular turning or mixing of the compost. https://foresttofood.com/2023/07/08...shed-exploring-top-products-for-your-journey/
