OK, SO HOW DO YOU STORE HOUSEHOLD FOOD FOR COMPOSTING?

[applestar]

I was too lazy to compose and retype: https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=94855#94855

I can't stand the odor of spoiling scraps. If I have to wash a container while smelling that all the time I might not compost.... Gixx's idea is a good one but there's no room in the fridge or freezer.

[bettyb]

We keep a small plastic container on the sink. Hold about 2 cups of household cooking garbage such as banana peels, orange peels, fresh herb stems, egg shells, etc. When that's full, we move it to a container on the patio that holds about two quarts. When that is full, we move it to a Styrofoam ice chest that is covered and kept on the back porch (it's getting closer to the compost pile now.) Once that is about 3/4 full (I toss in shredded paper, and other browns in between dumping the 2 qt container.) I take it to the compost pile and add it as a layer. It's usually very wet when I add it so I haven't worried about it being too dry.

I just started composting and hope this is ok to do this way. I didn't realize I needed to check my pile for moisture and heat so soon until I started reading the threads here. I just started it about two weeks ago. It's uncovered and we've had a lot of rain. It's about 3' diameter x 3' high. Made from very heavy black plastic that has holes all around it. Looks like the wire fencing cylinders I've seen in threads here, except made from a very heavy gauge plastic held by screws where the ends overlap. got it free from my county . I could probably get a second one to start a new transfer bin.

Any thoughts?

I use a large plastic coffee can. most cans now have a handle and easy to reach and pickup. the lids snap tight so no smell.

[Garden Gal]

that was going to be my next container had I not found the stainless steel container. I do like the new coffee "cans"

[mrsgreenthumbs]

I have an old rubbermaid trash bin just outside my kitchen door. I usually cook with the door open to keep my home cool any way's so as I chop and clean my food the scraps go directly into that bin, when the bin is getting full we toss it into the compost bin (a round tube like structure made out of welded wire and zip ties). In a couple weeks after a few mow's of the lawn I will slide the wire cage off the compost and turn the pile then return the product to the wire bin. Done and done! I tried having a bowl in the kitchen and just carting it off to the compost but that was WAY to inconvenient and knowing myself as I do I know that I must make a system that is easy and available. I try to make my work as simple and easy as possible so I can enjoy the task rather than begrudge it.

[sweet thunder]

I have a small step-on can in the kitchen with a bucket that lifts out. I line it with a piece of newspaper or paper bag so the scraps come out easily. Every few days it gets dumped into the compost bin where it gets covered with straw or wood chips or some other brown and I rinse out the container, adding the rinse water to the compost pile.

[Garden Gal]

Thanks MGT for the turning note in your post. I have a similar bin except mine is a very tough plastic, but open on both ends. I had been trying to turn the entire container upside down to turn the contents, but that is far to heavy now. So . . . now I will do the same as you, just slide it off, turn it with a shovel or pitchfork, then return to the bin. How often do you turn yours, and is it "cooking"?

[mrsgreenthumbs]

Thanks MGT for the turning note in your post. I have a similar bin except mine is a very tough plastic, but open on both ends. I had been trying to turn the entire container upside down to turn the contents, but that is far to heavy now. So . . . now I will do the same as you, just slide it off, turn it with a shovel or pitchfork, then return to the bin. How often do you turn yours, and is it "cooking"?

This will be my first batch in this compost structure and I am rethinking how I will even do that lol. Yesterday I was doing some brain storming over my little problem. I don't have any more space! YIKES! So I am going to make my chickens do my work for me! I plan on turning the floor of their pen into a compost bin of sorts. I will still collect all my scraps and clippings and grass in the small bin by my kitchen door and then simply toss it into the pen in the AM before I let my hen's out into their pen. Then they will dig and scratch and turn the compost constantly and eat (thus breaking down) the scraps and grass and the bug's including the fly's that the compost tend's to attract and add their own manure. Plus get lot's of treat's and keep them busy. Then after oh... IDK I'm expecting it to happen fast... maybe 6 months I should have wonderful and ready to harvest almost effortless compost.

[rainbowgardener]

I don't know MrsGT-- seems like at some point you have to scrape it up off the chicken pen and pile it somewhere else to finish. Otherwise you constantly have more chicken manure added and other stuff and never have finished compost.

[mrsgreenthumbs]

I don't know MrsGT-- seems like at some point you have to scrape it up off the chicken pen and pile it somewhere else to finish. Otherwise you constantly have more chicken manure added and other stuff and never have finished compost.

I was thinking the same thing, I think I'll take what is accumulated after the spring/summer season's are over and leave it be in a pile, and then start a new batch for the fall winter season's. Then I should have practically a continuous supply of compost (depending on how much I use) I wouldn't leave it in there for more than half a year, the hen's might not appreciate that lol. It's an experiment. If it works... It's a whole new option for even more convenient composting and one less reason for people to use natural option's. I mean hey... if they use fish to grow aqua ponics veggies why can't I put the chicken-ness of the chickens to work to make compost to grow my food with?

And if it doesn't work... oh well it was worth a try!

[LindsayArthurRTR]

Is it a better idea to have 2 piles? 1 for layering and adding to and one that is finishing. I'm confused about at what point you should stop adding things to your pile, if you only have 1.


Thanks.