Composting?

12/6/2007 at 8:59:09 AM

There are steps you can take to avoid your concerns becoming a reality. First of all, choose your location carefully. Though you want it to be convenient, you don't want it to be an eyesore or be too close to your neighbors. You can also enclose it, on three sides, to hide it from view.

Also choose carefully when it comes to what you put in your mixture. Avoid fish bones, meat leftovers or fat. Also make sure your compost does not get too wet. This can cause a rotten egg smell.

If it does start to permeate an unwelcome oder, add dry brown materials such as hay or newspaper to dry it out. Avoid mixing it until it is dryer. This will take care of the odors.

Another thing you want to keep in mind when choosing your compost location is that insects will be present. This is part of the process and cannot be avoided. So you may not want your location too close to windows you leave open or areas of your yard which you use for socializing or even relaxing.

Composting is a great way to recycle and improve the quality of your garden and/or yard.

4/16/2008 at 5:27:49 PM

There's a cute book about how to compost inside your home using red wiggler worms. I know it sounds strange, but its easy to make and apparently doesn't really smell that bad because you keep it underneath your sink. I'm not too knowledgeable about it, but the worms eat the old food and somehow make it into very rich soil.

4/20/2008 at 4:31:27 PM

The most important thing to reduce smell is to be careful what you put in your compost. I only use organic produce (fruit and vegetable scraps) and organic coffee grounds. Rather than composting, I just save in a coffee can under my sink and bury in the area of my garden when the can is full. There is no smell if I empty the can regularly.

4/20/2008 at 4:34:05 PM

Never use meat or anything greasy in your compost. That will certainly smell and isn't healthy.

4/22/2008 at 2:27:44 PM

Here's a pointer I have followed:

It’s best to site your bin on a level, well-drained spot. This allows excess water to drain out and makes it easier for helpful creatures such as worms to get in and get working on breaking down the contents. Placing your bin in a partially sunny spot can help speed up the composting process.

The key to good compost lies in getting the mix right. You need to keep your Greens and Browns properly balanced. If your compost is too wet, add more Browns. If it’s too dry, add some Greens. Making sure there is enough air in the mixture is also important. Adding scrunched up bits of cardboard is a simple way to create air pockets that will help keep your compost healthy. Air can also be added by mixing the contents.

4/24/2008 at 1:54:37 PM

well i suggest you dig a hole for it. i don't mean big holes, but enough to put in some portion of it for each plant as soil and nutrients. like others said, meat, fish and others must be throw away.

11/5/2008 at 3:13:04 PM

My friend in Hawaii went the worm route, loved it, and then brought the idea into her 7th grade Science classroom. Now she composts at home and at work. She had a book on it...

I'm not sure if it was "Unlce Joe's Worm Farm" or a different source from which she ordered her book, but she thought it a great success.

FYI - she also has 3 kids and is not the hippy-type that would tolerate a stink in her kitchen (beyond the whatever her kids produce).