However, compost tumblers should not be placed in direct sunlight. outside and your compost bin is on the other side of the yard. If a bin is located on dirt or earth, all accidental spills are converted into fertilizers. If you have a deep drawer, that's the perfect spot for a bin to be tucked away. It can lose moisture during seasonal changes and windy conditions, and you have to add more water to it. Although unlikely, it is also possible that hot sun could distort your compost tumbler and leave it misshapen. We built our compost bins from two old plastic water butts we found in the garden, put little hatches at the bottom and drilled lots of holes in the sides. We all have different housing plans. This is because a combination of shade, moisture and sunlight are all important in the composting process but not too much of each, so you must take into account the climate where you live. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Another important consideration is choosing the right sized compost bin to suit your needs. So, thank you for using the links. For a lot of the reasons mentioned above (leachate, potential smell, flies, visual) neighbours need to be considered when deciding where to place your compost bin if youd like to remain on speaking terms. So to speed up composting its important to add some old rough card like egg boxes, toilet roll middles and scraps of paper ripped into small shreds and added into your compostable food and garden scraps. A good tip in knowing whether its a well-draining site is to go outside after heavy rain and see where the puddles are. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. [And How To Revive It]. For food scraps, this is where a Bokashi bin comes in handy. Also, your composting should not be problematic to your neighbors. Take a Yard is compensated for referring traffic & business to these companies. Honestly, that depends on your preference.
A well-chosen spot can make all the difference to the quality and frequency of your compost so its worth considering these 11 factors before making a decision on where to place a compost bin. It may also result in things getting tossed off the compost pile and flung around on the ground nearby. When the majority of your lunch comes from your ga, Post holiday harvest! There are a lot of people that will tell you wild strawberries are not edible but this isnt actually true. Choosing a level site for your compost bin probably goes without saying, but its also important that the site is well-draining. If you opt for an indoor composting setup, you need to place the bin in a place that is neither too dark nor too bright. Every person you motivate contributes to well being of our planet. Thirdly, you dont want a compost heap too close to your home because there is a small fire risk. For indoor compost bins, the main concern is convenience, so you might want to put your bin under the kitchen sink or on the counter. Can You Cut The Top Off A Norfolk Island Pine? Since oxygen is necessary for transforming scraps into compost, sufficient airflow is crucial.
Secondly, you dont want a compost bin right beside your house because it may attract animals like raccoons and bears and rats. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Though you should avoid placing a bin near a river or a well, there might be some nitrogen runoff from your bin, contaminating the water source. Additionally, we'll recommend a variety of compost bins that suit many different needs. The only thing about our choice of location is that were finding our compost barrels are filling up quickly as were a pretty green family and like to recycle a lot. As we proceed to place our bins, we are riddled with questions. Since your home is already warm, the compost will overheat much too quickly if it's in direct or even partial sunlight. This wont be feasible for most people, and once in a while, most of us will experience bad smells or some pest entering the bin. You need a bit of space near your compost, because at times, you will need to tip the bin out. Moistening it less and turning it more with a shovel or pitchfork can help. Need less to say moist, slightly warm compost is ideal, but overly wet or dusty dry compost is not. Compost tumblers are often quite unsightly, so you may want to position it out of view of your home and the nearby homes if you can. Somewhere thats not too close to or under trees as their roots will grow up into all your yummy compost. The basic method of composting is simple: an equal combination of nitrogen (green matter) and carbon (brown matter) combined with enough moisture so that it has the consistency of a damp sponge. Lets explore this in detail so you can decide which place is best for your bin. There are many different composting systems from a wooden do-it-yourself compost box system and compost pit, to standard towers ( composting in a bin ) and tumblers. Dry compost wont operate properly, and you may find that the worms (which also help with the composting process) leave. This also means we dont have to move the barrels from one place to another, apart from occasionally turning them on the spot. How To Propagate Pachira Aquatica (Money Tree)? Even if your compost is near the house, you'll want to keep it at least 12" to 18" away from the foundation. However, this might not be possible for many people. Though, bigger trees are not affected by it. Should I Put My Compost Tumbler in the Sun? I also have a bokashi bin for food scraps which I keep under my kitchen bench. However, it does help to have a little sunlight, as this makes the compost break down more quickly. Somewhere thats not too close to the house to avoid those smells. When selecting a spot for an outdoor compost bin, you'll generally want to find a place that is sunny, well-ventilated, and not too close to buildings. Its a good idea to put your compost tumbler somewhere that it gets some sun because the sun will warm it up and help the bacteria process the food in the heap. The desired consistency of compost is similar to a damp sponge. Avoid it from extreme temperature, rainfall, wind, heat, and sunlight. How Much Water Do Arborvitae Need? Under the kitchen sink is also a perfect spot to keep a worm composter, since it's quiet, dark, and secure. Dont forget that the main heat source in a compost pile is generated through microbe activity. Copyright 2022 GardenTabs.com | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, How Long Does it Take to Compost in a Tumbler, Why Is My Euonymus Dying? Check out our article How Long Does it Take to Compost in a Tumbler to learn more about using compost tumblers. Also, finished compost is fairly heavy, and if you placed your bin far away from where you intend to use your compost, it would be a chore! Whether youre looking for something that will enjoy the full sun or something that loves chilling in the shade, theres sure to be a white perennial thats perfect for you. Your email address will not be published. Years of experience has taught us that a sustainable lifestyle has its own rewards. With this in mind, its a good idea to locate your bin within a comfortable walking distance from the house. To avoid this, choose a spot with a natural or manmade windbreak. One of the benefits of a raised compost bin is that they are more of a deterrent for rodents. Some available bins even attach to the cabinet door and automatically pull the lid off with a chain for a hands-free experience. A good balance of sun and shade is best for the reasons mentioned at the top of this article. However, if you only have one extreme or the other to choose from, choose the shade. Your compost needs to stay wet to function properly. Somewhere thats near a water source like a butt or outdoor faucet. That doesnt mean that you should keep it right next to the kitchen. But from time to time a compost pile can become unbalanced and one of these factors may occur. Its worth taking the time to position your tumbler properly, or you may find you have to empty it out and move it! The liquid by-product that runs off a compost pile is called leachate (also known as compost tea); its full of nutrients. If this is the case then choose the most important factors when youre selecting the best location for compost bins. In my article on How to Make the Best Compost for Your Vegetable Garden: Composting 101, I talk more about this and everything you need to know about how to set up a compost bin and create an effective composting system at home. Find a nice, flat spot and clear it of rocks and weeds that would make the composter unstable. Positioning a bin under a large tree might sound like a good idea in terms of providing shade, but trees have hungry root systems that seek out nutrients and water. Extra heat helps the organic matter break down rapidly, while the cool temperatures found in the shade slow the process down. The system you choose comes down to the amount of compostable material you are likely to generate. This will attract rats and other pests or encourage the growth of pathogens. You also need to be able to spin the tumbler properly without it bumping into anything or getting caught on protruding branches. If your indoor compost bin overheats too much, remove the lid, stir it up with a garden trowel, and let it cool off in a dark location. As the composting bin is nutrient-rich, the roots of trees can grow around it. According to the Green Action Centre, you can also make sure that you have about two to three times as much "browns" (leaves, paper, sticks) as "greens" (grass, vegetables, fruit) since too much green material is another common cause of bad odors. If you are going to be an active composter, a good rule of thumb when deciding whether theres enough space is twice the size of your compost bin. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Search for more awesome gardening content: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and may earn fees by linking to Amazon. Position it somewhere convenient though that wont see you traipsing across the yard in the cold and rain. As well as the actual location of your compost bin, you should think about the area surrounding it. Of course, these guidelines can change in different scenarios, but don't worry - we've covered all of the most common ones in this article. If your compost has a lot of kitchen scraps, you'll probably want to put it at least 10' to 12' away from your house to avoid luring critters such as raccoons, squirrels, and mice too close to your home. It's also the perfect size to give you a constant stream of nutritious compost for your houseplants. Composting bins come in many sizes ranging from smaller ones that can hold 5 pounds to larger ones that can process 100 pounds.
If you have an off the ground system like a tumbler, its advisable to add a small amount of compost at the beginning to add the microbes. For full information, please see ourdisclaimerhere. You have to keep some basic things in mind. While shade in cold climates (and during winter in warmer ones) can protect your barrels from the worst of the rain, wind and snow its best to position them in a location that gets a few hours of sun a day so the composting process can activate. To empty the compost or just clean the bin, simply remove the insert. We are often tempted to place the compost bin as far as possible. The biggest reason for having it near to your house is that it makes it easy to deposit compost whenever you want to, without having to trek across the whole garden. Should I Put My Compost Tumbler in the Shade? Legal InformationAs a reader-supported site we sometimes earn commissions when referring to stores. Depending on the local wildlife in your area and how you feel about this, its probably sensible to put some distance between your house and the tumbler. [And What To Do About It]. If you place it in direct sunlight, it will dry up quickly that can kill the microbes and worms. This means the microbes are dehydrating and gasping for a drink, or worse still could be about to die off completely. Alternatively, lay some pavings for the tumbler to stand on. Is Unfinished Compost Bad? If you are composting correctly, neither of these issues should be a problem. If you have a proper compost tumbler, there is nothing major to worry about in terms of wind, but if you have an exposed heap, you will probably find that the wind dries it out quickly. If there are only one or two people in your household or you just don't have a lot of scraps, you could put a small compost bin on your counter. Somewhere on level ground but with a slight run off so all those disgusting juices can drain away. Privacy screens or vegetation to name a few. Somewhere thats not too hot or cold, or too shady or sunny. To make it simple, we have compiled answers to common queries about bin location. A little moisture is required when composting but too much moisture will cause a slimy mess! If you add things like paper or cardboard, this could be particularly annoying. When you're searching for the perfect spot to keep your kitchen compost bin, the possibilities are endless! For more of a lifestyle property, you will need at least two to keep up with the leaves, grass clipping, branches and plant matter that is likely to be generated. Read More >. Read all about how to get a compost bin started in my composting made easy article. Even if rainwater seeps in or your pile becomes too wet, you can easily drain out excess water and use it in your garden. Osiria Rose Care Guide: Watering, Pruning, Pests & More, 11 Trees That Look Just Like Japanese Cherry Blossom, 11 Winter Gardening Jobs (Must Complete Before Winter Sets In), Gardening Claw Gloves (What Are They for? Your email address will not be published. Perhaps a, Anyone else enjoying winter brassicas from their g, #shortestday of the year in NZ means it's #garlicp, How to Make the Best Compost for Your Vegetable Garden: Composting 101, Choosing a Composter Help Discovering One Thats Best For You, Best Bokashi Bin Review and Personal Tips on How to Make Bokashi, Bokashi vs Compost: 7 Reasons That Will Make You Want to Convert, Choosing a Composter - Help Discovering One That's Best For You. Find one that matches your decor, and no one will even give it a second thought. This is why some shade for your compost bins is beneficial, and so is a nearby water butt or outdoor faucet so you can introduce a sprinkling of water now and then to help keep the compost moist and those microbes happy. You should be proud of yourself for composting your waste. Whether you have just purchased a nice new compost tumbler, built one yourself or making compost in a bin, considering the best location before you start is really important. Over time youll learn the look, feel and smell of healthy compost. Composting is without a doubt a great way to help both your garden and the planet. This means we didnt account for the extra space needed if we have to buy or make more compost tumblers. I know that this is a big list and its not going to be possible to manage all of these suggestions if you have a small backyard with limited options. All Rights Reserved. Here are some points you should consider: Compost microbes need the heat of the sun to do their work effectively, so putting your tumblers in the permanent shade will slow the composting process to a complete standstill especially in colder areas. Somewhere easy to get to across a path or concrete, so you dont have to walk over wet grass to get there. I personally prefer that my bin remains visible. It has been observed that people are more likely to give up on composting if the bin is located at a considerable distance from home. Should I Put My Compost Tumbler near to the House? Required fields are marked *.