Can composting be fun? Gadgets are gradually coming to the composting world. Whether it's a tumbling composter to make aeration easier or a swish stainless steel compost container that doesn't retain smells, here are some composting ideas for avid gardeners.
Ceramic and Steel Compost Containers Make Collection Sweeter
While some go for a plastic compost container under the sink, these containers quickly become saturated with fermenting compost smells. For those who like to move compost from indoors to outdoors less frequently, a ceramic or stainless steel compost collection pail might be in order. These pails are much less prone to odors.
Multifunctional Compost Benches are Great for Small Spaces
Devotees of the worm bin may love its small size, but a composting bench takes things one step further. For small spaces, it makes sense to create a bench, footstool, or other beautiful ornament for the garden. This area can also act as a compost concealer. A bench can move upwards to reveal a worm bin inside - a perfect space-saving solution for a small garden.
Compost Tumblers Add Oxygen to the Compost
Say goodbye to the days of turning the compost to yield a more oxygen-rich pile. Compost tumblers look like a barrel and act to add oxygen to a compost pile. Better yet, they tend to have few entry and exit points for rodents and other unwanted garden animals.
Bokashi Composting Says Goodbye to Worms, Hello Microorganisms
In the West, worm bins have been the bastion of indoor composters. However, in Asia a different method of composting is used to compost the usual fruit and vegetables and meat, dairy, and grain products as well. Bokashi composting involves a sprinkling of microorganisms that ferment the compost without the aerobic activity of worms. It's an alternative for those frustrated by fruit flies and worm migrations.
Indoor Compost Gone High Tech
Worm bins and bokashi are wonderful ways to create good soil indoors, but the new NatureMill Indoor Composter takes indoor composting to a new level. It's a plug in composter that uses minimal energy to heat the compost and get it ready in no time. Like bokashi composting, NatureMill Composters can take meat, dairy, bread, and other products that can attract rodents to other outdoor and indoor bins. The NatureMill composter has a capacity of 120 pounds of compostables per month and retails for $300 to $400. Now to hook up the composter to a solar power source, and it will be as green as can be!
Out in the yard this season, and looking for an alternative to the traditional compost bin? Try these creative composting options and create some wonderful soil for the garden, in style!
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