I've come across a few good suggestions on additional tools that I am going to want to invest in. First is a composting or soil thermometer. While composting will probably still keep working, the decay process will continue regardless of the temperature. However, because compost works better in the shade, I might want to start monitoring the temp. Basically, I want to know that the bin is reaching an optimal decomposition temperature at least at some point before use. Second, since I've taken the trouble to build my own compost bin, why stop there? Composting needs water to remain balanced, therefore I propose the next project: home made rain collecting buckets!!! Commercial ones are jsut as expensive as those store bought compost bins. However, for similar supplies, and ones I have left over from the compost bin, I can create a cost effective as well as efficient rain bucket. Coming up next! I should also look into gloves, a dust mask, and safety goggles to help prepare the compost for distribution into the soil. Safety first :)
Compost: decay and reuse of waste, often to be used as plant food
Questions to ask yourself before you start your own compost:
*Why should I start composting?
1. Fertility to the soil
2. Microbial life in organic matter converts other soil elements into essential nutrients for growing plants
3. Texture allows air pockets for roots
4. Adds moisture
5. Drains excess moisture from plants roots
6. Onsite recycling
7. Improved soil
8. Self-sufficiency
9. Healthy plants
* How much time do you have to devote to this project? Keep in mind that the results of your project will directly reflect the effort and care you put into it. Be aware of your limitations and build a system that fits into your everyday life. Composting can take up a large amount of your time. Most holding containers are small and require being dumped almost every day, especially in a large family. Your bin or heap requires mixing and balancing at least on a weekly basis, if not every time you add a new layer. Make sure you have enough time to check on these areas of your home at least once a week. Keep it simple. Take scraps out to the compost on garbage day, this forces you to check into it but only adds a few minutes to something yoou are already doing.
* How much space do you have? First, look at where the compost will be going, not only where you will store it, but if it's going into your yard and garden. Knowing this in advance helps you to plan for a better fitting container, or may encourage you to go bigger and start your own heap. Be aware of the space you plan on using and try to understand how this will affect family members, pets, and neighbors. Try to plan your compost in a way where it is easily accessible and available to be transported to where you need it.
*How can I reduce the smells of my composting? Indoors: Keep a lid on it. This is the easiest way to prevent smells from overpowering your home. Outdoors: Keep a lid on it if you are using a container. Either way you should be adding lots of brown materials, such as dead leaves or grass, wood chips, or paper. A balanced compost won't smell any more than your garden, yard, or a barrel of dirt. Yes you can prevent odors if you work on it. *What do I do with it now? Add compost to potted plants. Spread in a thin layer over newly sprouting seed. Cover your lawn by raking outward of a large pile. Cover flower beds at the base of tall plants. Sell it. Donate it to local community farming projects.
*How will wild life affect my composting? Bugs will naturally want to help the composting process. It it perfectly fine to let the bugs do their work, but keep an eye out for an over abundance of any one type of pest. Also, watch out for bees! Yellow jackets especially love to build nests in cmopost heaps because of the nutrients and heat. If you notice these buzzing around, chances are they've invaded your heap. There is no easy way to draw them out, unfortunately. You might have to let the heap die out and the bees will leave naturally. Birds might also find your heap attractive. They will love to build a nest for hatching eggs, especially in the spring time. This process will only take a short amount of time. Before you know fuz=zzy little baby birds will be born and the oarent birds will fly away. Try to work around them. they won't really bother you if you don't disturb their nest, and they won't take up much space to begin with. If you are using a plastic bin, check for teeth marks and gnawing on a regular basis. These are signs you have mice. While mice can help the decaying process along, they arae more likely to enter your house, garage, or barn after sampling the compost that you offer in the yard. You should also be mindful to mix your compost carefully because of the guests that may invite themselves in.
*Can composting affect my health?
While it's unlikely and improbable, there are some health concerns that are associated with compost. First, if you are composting for food plants, meaning you are going to eat the plants that grow from your compost, make sure you wash these well. A vinegar rinse can help immensely with washing away bacteria. If you are worried, cook thoroughly, or use a commercial vegetable rinse. When in doubt, return questionable produce back into the compost, and consider cleaner composting for food in the future. This would mean using a protected bin that only holds untreated browns and greens.
Specific illnesses to watch out for:
Hepatitis A
Farmer's Lung
Paronychia
Histoplasmosis
Legionnaire's Disease
Tetanus
Interesting Composting Information
Temperature Phases
Oxidation 55-65
Reduction 65-85
Degradation 85-145
Conversion 55-145
Maturation 55
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