Post by lavandulagirl on Jan 14, 2009 19:21:36 GMT -5
Here are some links to resources for small space composting units:
nestinstyle.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/compost-tumblers-great-for-small-spaces-and-tidy-gardeners/
www.compost-bin.org/urban-compost-tumbler/
Until recently, I never had a piece of property to use that was over 3/4 of an acre. As a result, I was loathe to give up very much space to composting. Also, my compost was generally close to the property line, and therefore the fence. (I definitely didn't want the neighbor's dog digging under the fence and messing around in my garden!)
I wanted a system that I could contain, but still get a good amount of compost out of. I came up with a way of doing it that worked really well for me. I start with 3 large rubbermaid garbage cans (The largest ones available at the hardware store). I drill holes in the can, with a 3/4" drill bit, until the can will definitely drain well. (The bottom will need holes, too.) Once that is done, I place them where I want to keep the compost. I begin filling the first can with compostable items, up to about 2/3 of the way to the top, trying to layer "browns" and "greens" as much as possible. Once I reach that level, I upend that can into the second one. This effectively turns the compost, while keeping it contained. I add a mix of greens and browns (generally grass clippings and dead leaves) and close the can. Then I start adding things to the first can again. When the 2nd, full can has sat for a few weeks, I water the composting material thoroughly. (This can be done with rain water, if your climate allows) and turn it into the last can, again mixing it up. The first can will then be turned into the 2nd can again. The items in the last can are then used to layer with raw items going into the first can. By mixing between the 3 cans like this, you can have compost ready in less than 2 months.
Now, keep in mind that I am using black cans, and have lived in relatively hot areas of the country while utilizing this method. Therefore, the compost runs pretty hot, generally about 155 fahrenheit. Of course, there is some spillage when you're turning the cans out, but generally, this method gives you usable compost in less than 2 months, and only takes up the space of 3 garbage cans. It's a really efficient way of containing the compost in a small space.
nestinstyle.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/compost-tumblers-great-for-small-spaces-and-tidy-gardeners/
www.compost-bin.org/urban-compost-tumbler/
Until recently, I never had a piece of property to use that was over 3/4 of an acre. As a result, I was loathe to give up very much space to composting. Also, my compost was generally close to the property line, and therefore the fence. (I definitely didn't want the neighbor's dog digging under the fence and messing around in my garden!)
I wanted a system that I could contain, but still get a good amount of compost out of. I came up with a way of doing it that worked really well for me. I start with 3 large rubbermaid garbage cans (The largest ones available at the hardware store). I drill holes in the can, with a 3/4" drill bit, until the can will definitely drain well. (The bottom will need holes, too.) Once that is done, I place them where I want to keep the compost. I begin filling the first can with compostable items, up to about 2/3 of the way to the top, trying to layer "browns" and "greens" as much as possible. Once I reach that level, I upend that can into the second one. This effectively turns the compost, while keeping it contained. I add a mix of greens and browns (generally grass clippings and dead leaves) and close the can. Then I start adding things to the first can again. When the 2nd, full can has sat for a few weeks, I water the composting material thoroughly. (This can be done with rain water, if your climate allows) and turn it into the last can, again mixing it up. The first can will then be turned into the 2nd can again. The items in the last can are then used to layer with raw items going into the first can. By mixing between the 3 cans like this, you can have compost ready in less than 2 months.
Now, keep in mind that I am using black cans, and have lived in relatively hot areas of the country while utilizing this method. Therefore, the compost runs pretty hot, generally about 155 fahrenheit. Of course, there is some spillage when you're turning the cans out, but generally, this method gives you usable compost in less than 2 months, and only takes up the space of 3 garbage cans. It's a really efficient way of containing the compost in a small space.