Composting in Style

Feb 01, 2010 | Water Conservation, Waste Management

Composting-the controlled natural decomposition of organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, prunings, and fruit and vegetable scraps-happens with the help of oxygen-using microorganisms that transform these materials into compost, or humus, a nutrient-rich and biologically diverse soil enricher. The benefits are many. You save money by reducing the need to purchase fertilizers and soil amendments. Compost improves soil health and fertility and prevents erosion. It conserves water by helping the soil hold more moisture. And it helps the environment by diverting valuable organic materials from the landfill or incinerator.

As the compost turns

Aerating your compost pile aids bacterial action and speeds up the composting process. But turning a dense pile or struggling to insert a spading fork into the openings of manufactured composters can discourage the most enthusiastic gardener. Enter the Compost Crank by Lotech Products: You simply crank the spiral tip into the pile and lift to aerate. The crank digs deep, is easy to remove, and is also great for aerating and breaking up soil. Or use a spading fork to give it a toss.

A countertop kitchen scrap receptacle is disguised as an attractive copper-like container. Photo: Gardeners Supply

Chic countertop collectors

Collecting vegetable and fruit parings, stale bread, and other scraps for your compost pile need not detract from your kitchen décor. A handpainted bowl covered with a perforated lid, a colander, or a cloth shields materials from view and insects, yet allows air to circulate, preventing mold and odors. For added style, use a ceramic soup tureen (the ladle opening conveniently lets in air) or a small splatterware cooking pot with a lid.

Several companies offer sleek countertop collectors for compostibles. Gardeners Supply and other suppliers make 3- to 4-quart kitchen compost crocks, available in white enameled metal. An activated carbon filter in the lid prevents odors, so you can go days before emptying. The company also offers five-quart containers in stainless steel and pressed copper, and a gallon-sized terra-cotta crock. Biodegradable cornstarch plastic liners are also available to keep your countertop container from getting messy. Or simply get a blue splatterware 3- or 4-quart cooking pot with a lid (available at your department store and even your camping supply store). Metal and plastic ice buckets, often spotted at yard sales and thrift stores, also hide compostables elegantly.

Composters as lawn features

The humble outdoor composter, where organics are transformed into humus, is often relegated to a corner of the yard, out of view. For people with small yards, the idea of an open compost pile or a black plastic composter within sight of a patio or bay window can be a deal breaker. However, with a little creativity, composters can complement your backyard scenery.

Bins are easy to make out of wood, scrap pallets, wire fencing, fence boards, and barrels. These low- and no-cost composters can become attractive with the addition of finished siding. Picket and bamboo fencing make an easy composter or can enclose an existing one. Seek out fencing with hardy slats and weather-resistant wiring. Bamboo fencing suppliers (if there's not one locally, you can find them online) offer half-inch bamboo-slat fencing as well as others made from flexible willow, twigs, and reeds. Hay bales, mud blocks, and even bricks also can be used as composter walls.Another method is to insert five-foot-high branches or bamboo culms into the ground in a three- or four-foot-diameter circle. Space the branches three inches apart to let in air but hold the pile securely. Or, space them four or more inches apart and weave grapevines or willow branches through them for a more securely knit structure that hides its contents.

You can make an enclosed composter by drilling air holes in a barrel or an attractive plastic container. Remember that the ideal composter size is three or four feet high and wide; this allows for a critical mass of organics and biology. (If yours is smaller, insulate it to keep the biology cooking, and add worms.)

Flowering façade

To further beautify your composter, plant evergreens, shrubs, decorative grasses, or climbing flowers such as nasturtium around it. (Beware of using morning glory and other invasive plants that may seed your compost with plants you don't want to spread!) You might also plant nutrient-loving vegetables and berries around the perimeter to take advantage of the liquid nutrients that leach from the bottom of the composter.

Erect trellises around your composter and train primrose up them. This also discourages hungry critters who might seek out the contents of your composter.

Composters have been disguised in attractive containers, including whiskey half barrels and old oak wine barrels. Buy the wood barrel, perforate the bottom with half-inch holes liberally and insert a plastic trash barrel you've also perforated with half-inch holes, particularly the bottom. The inner container serves as the composter receptacle. Make a wood or plexiglass cover for it that extends just half an inch past the barrel's rim. Or purchase a finished oak barrel composter, the Scrap Eater, from SunFrost of Arcata, Calif.

A SunFrost ScrapEater. Photo: EcoPatio

Composting tips

• In a countertop collector, place a used paper towel or half a sheet of newspaper on the bottom of the container so organics slide out easily. Newspaper and paper towels will also compost.

• An easy way to compost is to "batch" it: Fill one composter, then use another. When the second is full, the first will likely contain completely finished compost.

• Keep your compost moist! It should be as damp as a well-wrung sponge.

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