Container composting - There are sound reasons for composting in containers, although there is debate as to whether slatted or closed sided bins are preferable, for this will affect air circulation within the compost pile, as well as the potential for heat loss. The Indore method developed by Sir Albert Howard and the Shewell Cooper method favour slats, while the New Zealand Box method advocates the use of closed sides. There are also differences between these techniques in terms of activators (that is, high nitrogen content organic substances to stimulate high bacterial activity within the heap, e.g., urine, grass mowings, comfrey leaves, etc.) and materials used. However, most agree that a good mixture of carbon and nitrogenous materials, usually created in layers and on a base consisting of rougher, stemmy material (to encourage air circulation) that is in contact with the soil are essential to all successful composting processes.

For those who do not have a lot of space, composting can be carried out with good results by using cylindrical bins provided that attention is paid to the all-important issues of aeration and Nitrogen ratio ratios. Such bins are available proprietarily, and are often supplied by local authorities at low cost to encourage recycling.

Photos of compost bins

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The following is an assortment of commercially available compost bins:

Image:CompostBinDoor_wb.jpg|Door at bottom for removing finished compost Image:CompostBinStack_wb.jpg|Each layer stacks on top for ease of use Image:CompostBinTube_wb.jpg|A simple tube bin Image:Compost bin.jpg|Wooden compost bin with removable slats on the front and multiple bins to make turning and storage easier

See also

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• German mound
• Leaf mold
• High fibre composting
• Worm compost
• Spent mushroom compost
• Sheet composting
• Windrow composting

External links

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• Learn about Composting

Composting | Gardening | Organic gardening | Permaculture | Waste