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The best kind of compost bin can still differ from one person’s individual feedback to another. Other than the variation in prices, shapes, sizes, and even styles, composters for garden use can be simply determined through several things. To know which composting bin will best suit you and your organic garden, you may read furthermore of this article.

Narrowing down your options

There are compost bins that are homemade, as there are also garden composters that are already being sold commercially. You can also be assured that all of these will work into helping create some nutrient-rich organic compost for you. But note that composter selections can also be quite endless for anyone’s picking (there’s wood, plastic, wire-made, open, tumbling, etc.). However, you can still choose by going through a few buying considerations: (1) the allotted budget for your composter bin choice, (2) the size, capacity, and quantity of the bin, (3) the speed of the bin, (4) and the exterior look of the bin.

Budget allotment for a prospective garden composter

It’s important that you only purchase a composter that will fit your budget rather than splurge your money on something that won’t actually work well in your garden. You’re going to have to set a price range so that you’ll know where to start from. Also look for something that’s long-lasting and of high-quality. You’ll be surprised that even the most basic models last longer than the other preferences.

Compost bin size, capacity and quantity 

Determining the size and capacity of your prospective composter is always important. It’ll be useless if you were to purchase a large container yet you only have a few organic wastes to compost on a regular basis. Makes sense, right? Be practical when choosing a garden composter, as this will help save you on your potential purchase/s. Also consider the number of bins that you’ll be using. You’ll need additional containers should you decide to have sizeable amounts of organic remains composted in a span of weeks or months (you’ll need these for when transferring finished compost). 

Determining the speed of the compost bin

If you want to produce compost in the quickest way possible (as fast as two months), you might want to consider getting the type that spins (like a rotating bin for example). Composter types like this no longer need any manual mixing or turning (turning over compost materials with your bare hands), as steel rods are already attached on the bin for easy spinning. So you might want to consider getting something that finishes rapidly so that you may also be able to get your investment back right away.

A composter’s physical appearance

The exterior look of your compost bin can also add some beauty or décor in your organic garden, as this will still be seen at some angle in your plot. So if you can manage to put in a few more money into your bin, go ahead. But for those who have budget constraints, go for color matching at the very least. Make your bin blend well with its surroundings rather than have it exposed in its unsightly façade. 

Uncle Jim’s recommends the Kitchen Compost Collector 

Looking for an odorless compost bin that you can use straight from your kitchen? No problem! The Kitchen Compost Collector can provide you just the thing, and more! With its thick charcoal filter, odors from kitchen scraps will surely be prevented. Other than its handy feature (you can store it under the sink), you can also store 9.1 liters worth of organic wastes inside it. So get your own Kitchen Compost Collector for indoor use today, here at Uncle Jim’s!

To know more about the product, check the Kitchen Compost Collector here. 

 Vermicomposting is a natural process that helps breakdown decomposing organics with the assistance of composting worms. With the right care and maintenance, these worms will be able to thrive, produce more rich compost, multiply in number, and more. Now, all indoor and outdoor worm bins will need its respective vermicomposting bin maintanence. Failure to preserve the contents of your bin can result to compost spoiling, worms dying, the bin smelling, and so on. A regular upkeep for any type of worm composter is definitely an essential.

Indoor Vermicomposting

Since composting worms are very efficient food processors, you can expect to use them even inside your home (provided that they’re also securely placed inside a specialized indoor composter). Composters that have been made for indoor use can be placed inside the garage, by the basement, inside an old closet, bathroom, laundry room, pantry, kitchen, or even under the kitchen sink. Different sizes, shapes and materials are offered for your picking, so it’s best to get the one that suits your preference (especially a composter that will also help complement the look of your home). Indoor composting bins are actually the best option for those who are space-restricted (perfect for apartment-dwellers or those who don’t have any garden space).

Now when choosing for a worm compost bin, make sure that you start with a small and shallow bin (best to start on a small scale). If you’re thinking about composting more organic scraps, then it would be advisable to switch to outdoor composting (can compost bigger quantities since it’s not space-restricted). Also, composting indoors will require that you take into consideration the following things: a plastic or wooden compost bin, (2) some moist bedding, (3) organic food scraps, (4) and the right temperature.

Basic vermicomposting will require that you place your worms inside a composter that has a depth of at least 12 to 18 inches. You can also opt into using a plastic or wooden made bin that is also opaque in shade (worms detest bright lights). Other than that, providing your worms a moist bedding will also keep them happy and thriving. The worm bedding can be in the form of presoaked newspaper shreds, some dry leaves, and loose soil. 

On top of that, you’ll also need to fill your bin with organic food wastes (these are your typical kitchen and garden scraps). Both bedding and worm food will need to be replenished as soon as these are consumed. And since your worms will eventually be turning these wastes into nutrient-rich humus, then expect to have the bin cleaned up of residues to avoid potential odor build-up. Aside from that, also check the indoor temperature, as the ideal temperature ranges from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Also remember to place these soil creatures inside a well-aerated bin. Your worm bin should still have the necessary holes drilled around it to let air in, and to drain out excess moisture from the composter. This will also help avoid the contents of your bin to get spoiled through the process. To also avoid unwanted pest visits, make sure that the bin is covered at all times.

Outdoor Vermicomposting

Outdoor vermicomposting is perfect for those who have larges spaces at home (a spacious lawn or backyard). It’s the most preferred type of composting when thinking about breaking down larger quantities of organic wastes. An outdoor composter is typically larger than the indoor bin types. But do take note that outdoor composting will require more maintenance compared to indoor composting. 

Now to keep outdoor worm bins maintained, you’ll have to note of the following essentials. The first tip is to not leave your outdoor composter exposed under direct sunlight. Leaving your bin in this situation can potentially dry up the contents of the bin, make the temperature rise, and kill the worms inside it. It’s best that you keep the bin under a good shade, and to also keep it protected with a lid/cover. Keeping the bin covered can also prevent pests (particularly worm-preying killers) from hovering on top of it.

To prevent your worms from escaping the bin, it’s best that you also keep them well fed (only replenish their stock as soon as they’ve consumed everything in the bin). You’ll also know when to put in a new food supply when they’ve produced their castings. Also, feed them scraps that are considered to be organic. Failure to do so may result to food being disregarded. This can result to an odor build-up (caused by rotten food) as well. 

For a very important vermicomposting bin maintanence tip, also make sure not to leave the bin too dry or too wet. A bin that contains dry bedding materials can result to a worms eventual demise. The worm may experience skin irritation or even death (worms need to be in moist surroundings since they breathe through their moist skin). Keeping the bin too wet is also dangerous. Other than the compost getting spoiled, it can also lead to your worms drowning from it. 

Uncle Jim’s recommends the Garden Tools and Indoor Compost Bins

If you’re looking for effective yet affordable garden tools and compost bins, then you’ve come to right place! We’re offering a wide range of compost equipments ranging from Ceramic Compost Pails to Compost Pile Turners. Use these handy items to your advantage by purchasing your selections at Uncle Jim’s today!

 To know more about the product, check the Indoor Compost Bins here. 

We're happy to report the trend towards bulk and commercial composting continues to grow, which means that demand for composting equipment and products, like the red wiggler worms, are going to continue to expand. As the composting practice increases around the country, there is a good chance they there will be an increased need for red wiggler worms in your neck of the woods before too long. Get started on your worm farming now with any of these three pre-packaged worm kits.

 Happy Earth Day! What are you doing to make your world a greener place? Well, on the World Wide Web, sites and search engines alike are showing their colors to support the movement to an ecologically-minded global community. 

Does your compost bin have a little more ventilation than it needs (think stress cracks around the bottom)? Have your worms reproduced so much over the winter that they’re crushed for space in their compost bin home?  Maybe you’re just a beginner composter and need the right bin for your red wiggler worms. No matter the reason, Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm has the indoor and outdoor compost bins you need to handle your composting needs.

You’ve heard about red wiggler worms in your compost research, but is there really a difference between this large, red-colored worm variety and the typical garden worm you may find as you turn over your garden soil? Wouldn’t is just be easy to dig up those worms and use them in your bin to make compost?

In these last few days of March, there are still alot of signs of winter left in the yard. Still hard soil, little grass and only buds on trees and plants. This is the time, however, to take stock of what your yard will need to brighten up for the warmer weather.