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Trash Can Composting

Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 7:29 am
by Scarecrow
I made a compost bin out of an old plastic trash can which looks like [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=76154&sid=8dad2bec054a2094a91a847aaeece85b]this one[/url]except with more air holes about four days ago.

I now have it about half full of greens (kitchen scraps) and browns (dry leaves) with some left over potting soil.

When you fill your compost bin does it compact from the weight which starts heating up sooner? Or do you manually compress the pile?

Currently it is in the sun to help with heating. Would shade be better?

How often to turn? I have been turning it once a day and opening the lid and checking on it. :lol:

I have read many posts here but there is not much on trash can composting.

All tips and comments are welcomed!

Thanks,
Scarecrow

Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 10:44 am
by soil
When you fill your compost bin does it compact from the weight which starts heating up sooner? Or do you manually compress the pile?
it will compact itself, but not too much or lack of air will happen.
Currently it is in the sun to help with heating. Would shade be better?
shade, you want heat from biology, not the sun.
How often to turn? I have been turning it once a day and opening the lid and checking on it.
thats fine

Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:45 am
by Scarecrow
Good info!
Thanks Soil!