Compost supplies

Best to conceal your decomposing garbage

A great variety of products are available to aid in the making of compost. For those who may not want a large pile of exposed decomposing organic material in their backyard, compost bins and tumblers are the first accessories to be acquired. A simple bin can be constructed from concrete blocks, fencing or wire. Just make sure it is at least three feet cubed and can be accessed by a door. The disadvantage of this method is that it may not provide enough insulation from the cold, making decomposition difficult in colder months. However, this can be remedied by placing the pile in a sunny spot or lining it with hay or any other similar insulator.

Other useful items

The following is a list of useful accoutrements that will make the composting process easier than building an immobile, makeshift bin.

• Insulated compost bin - These can be moved into the sun during the winter and under shade when too warm. Make sure there is an access hatch at the bottom if you want to remove some finished product before it is all done. A wide top is necessary to easily mix the contents and an open bottom will allow worms and microbes from the soil to get in as well.


• Compost tumbler - The main difference here is that a tumbler can be spun, eliminating the need to turn the mix with a shovel. They are best for ensuring that your compost is aerated well, but are cut off from the soil, which may mean fewer worms and microbes. Like the bins, they can be easily moved and are generally better-looking than a homemade pile.


• Compost tea brewer - There are plenty of products available that profess to make the best compost tea. It is a simple combination of your homemade compost and water, then strained through cheesecloth and applied to your garden. Some methods require the addition of molasses to feed the microbes and aquarium pumps and tubes to oxygenate the brew.


• Compost pail - Perhaps the most handy and practical item after the bin itself, the compost pail is a small covered container kept in your kitchen. It helps make sure no scrap is wasted, but also means you don't have to walk to your pile every time you have a banana.


• Compost toilet - Don't get scared now. It is what it sounds like, but these human waste recyclers are odor-free and affordable. There are self-contained units that need to be vacated regularly but dual-chamber split toilets make a great compost and require cleaning less than once a year.

The important thing to remember about composting is that it can be a simple and passive activity, but the benefits of a little intervention should not be overlooked. A regular supply of hearty compost can make you look like a full-time gardener with minimal effort.