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Post Info TOPIC: Composting - newfangled products
Suasoria


Chanel

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Composting - newfangled products
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Hi gardeners, 

Does anyone have experience with any of the compost bins/systems out there? I've had random piles and I have a plastic bin now that is very not user-friendly. It's not doing what I need, so I was thinking I would try a rolling version.

My friend recommends one that's $350 - ouch. Here's a bunch if you don't know what I mean - http://www.gardeners.com/Composters/default/StandardCatalog.20706.cat

I also had worm bins, but the poor little guys died two years ago when we were doing construction and one of the workers moved the bins into the sun. That must have been a terrible way to go. I think I will start that project again in the spring though. It's totally easy and so good for the plants, but I may need a different composter for the yard waste and things the worms won't eat. 

Opinions?  

 

 

 



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Elle


Hermes

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IMO bins that keep the compost in contact with the ground are best - things break down much more quickly that way. 

Are you looking for something that you won't have to dig to turn, specifically?  If you can find your local extension service, they may be able to help you find user-friendly bins cheaper.  Alot of times the city will make them available like garbage cans and recyling bins, because it helps reduce the waste the city has to take care of.



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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
Suasoria


Chanel

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Yes, the city does offer composters for a little more than half of retail price...but they only offer one model, a version of the same one I have now that isn't working out very well. It's the basic square open-bottom thing. It wasn't supposed to require much labor, but it does. You still have to muck around in it with a shovel or pitchfork. And it's breaking. Bah. 

Rolling or tumbling with a hand crank are really what I'm looking for. You know - so simple, even a husband can do it.  

 



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Elle


Hermes

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Hmmm, you could try a black garbage bag first.  All you need is a heavy duty black garbage bag - fill it with stuff you'd compost until it's half full or so, make sure it's a bit moist and add some water if it's not, tie up, poke a couple holes for airflow, throw somewhere in the sun, kick occasionally.  Voila! 

If you're still set on a turnable one, I hear that they do their job, even if a bit more slowly.  I'd definitely check at a local garden center or big box home improvement store first before paying $350 though!  A store might be able to special order you one even, if they don't carry them in stock .

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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
Eurodaisy


Dooney & Bourke

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Suasoria, I ran across this in a catalog and thought of you:

Rolling Composter - Gardening

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=47098&cat=2,33140&ap=1



For $150, I dunno if it's what you're looking for, but thought I'd show you just in case...

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Suasoria


Chanel

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My composting friend has either that one, or one like it, and she's not happy with it. The problem as she describes it is there's no way to separate finished compost from stuff in progress. It's a 'one-batch-at-a-time' solution. That's why she's talking me into the pricier one.

At this point I'm inclined to try Elle's suggestion of a black garbage bag...simple, elegant, low-maintenance, inexpensive...it's just my style.

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