Where to start making compost pits?
The pits should be as far as possible from residential buildings and located on the leeward side, since organic waste has an unpleasant appearance and smell. The recommended distance is at least 30 m from housing.
Do not place pits close to drinking water sources. The optimal distance is 25 meters.
Consider the terrain features. Pits should not be placed on high ground: along with precipitation, its contents will be spread throughout the area. You should not choose places on the slopes: excess water reduces the fermentation rate. A flat piece of land is best.
Pay attention to the trees next to the holes. Alder and birch will be good neighbors, but it is better not to place holes next to evergreen trees.
To maintain the correct moisture content of the compost, choose an area in the shade.
Don't forget about ease of access to the pit and choose the most suitable location for you.
Popular brands and models of containers
The two models L&T Globe and Bulbeo gained the most popularity.
L&T Globe
The first development from a Finnish manufacturer is suitable for those who live on the site year-round, since this composter can also be used in winter (down to -10 degrees). If the temperature drops below, the process stops and resumes when warmer. Besides:
- working volume is 310 l;
- made of durable polyethylene;
- thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene 15 cm thick;
- height 73 cm;
- spherical shape with globe relief;
- deep dark green color.
This stylish product does not need to be refined. It consists of 3 parts:
- removable small lid with adjustable ventilation shutter (winter/summer);
- removable housing, which provides access from all sides;
- an expansion ring that allows you to increase the volume by 160 liters;
- bottoms with holes for ventilation at the top and for drainage at the bottom.
The Finnish composter does not need additional decoration Source insales.ru
There are no small and heavy parts in the Glob design. In a composter, the contents are completely isolated. The product is very ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. At a high rate of compost maturation, productivity is comparable to a 700-900 liter compost pit.
Bulbeo
Bulbeo - a development from a Spanish manufacturer, is available in 2 variations of 700 and 900 liters. When disassembled, the modular design made of environmentally friendly durable polyethylene is easy to transport and takes up little space during storage.
This seasonal composter has:
- wide hatch for loading components;
- convenient doors on 5-6 sides for removing the substrate;
- bud shape, color – calm green;
- the case has holes for ventilation;
- assembly is carried out without the use of tools.
Dimensions:
- width – 1.22 m;
- height – 0.85 m;
- weight – 19 kg.
Rounded walls contribute to better heat transfer and, accordingly, faster preparation of compost.
Approaches to the container are made from all sides Source static-eu.insales.ru
Arrangement of the pit
Many summer residents prefer not to build compost pits and are inclined to use compost heaps. The point is the ease of working with compost: it’s easier to load waste, mix and unload humus. But from an aesthetic point of view, they are unattractive, and ease of working with compost can also be achieved for pits if they are properly equipped.
Video description
Another way to build a compost pit from pallets is presented in the video:
Concrete compost pit
Before making a compost pit from concrete mortar, you should think carefully because:
- monolithic walls will not allow air to pass through and rotting of the mass is possible;
- construction of formwork and mortar reinforcement will be required;
- you will have to order delivery of concrete or mix it on site;
- It will take a lot of time, effort and money.
Another thing is a ready-made concrete ring for a compost pit. It just needs to be placed on the ground and covered with a lid. The only inconvenience is that it is difficult to mix the components in it, so it is better to use 2 rings so that you can transfer the mass from one to another.
Installation of a concrete ring for a compost pit Source media.makler.md
Brick compost pit
If there is an old or unnecessary brick that has nowhere to be used, then it can be used to build a compost pit. It is placed on a sand bed using cement mortar. The front wall is made with pieces of metal profile and removable boards and is provided with a lid. Laying is carried out with or without holes for air access. In any case, the bottom and top rows must be continuous.
A similar front wall solution is suitable for most compost pit options Source pbs.twimg.com
earthen pit
The simplest option. All you need to do is dig a hole of suitable size, place drainage material on top of it, and put waste on top. The structure is covered with film, tarpaulin or grass.
If you plan to use the pit for more than one year, it is worth strengthening its walls using any available methods - for example, slate, roofing felt, plywood, etc.
Compost Ingredients
Let's figure out what types of waste need to be used to get high-quality compost rich in macro- and microelements.
Types of waste that form the basis of good fertilizer:
- grass (including weeds mowed before flowering), flowers, straw;
- food waste - vegetable and fruit peelings, berries, cereals, tea leaves, eggshells;
- foliage, pine needles, branches, tree bark, sawdust;
- paper (except colored and laminated), cardboard;
- manure and bird droppings.
Additives that improve the quality of compost:
- phosphate rock and dolomite flour, as well as other mineral fertilizers;
- ash;
- soil - it should be sprinkled on each subsequent layer of waste, this will increase the fermentation rate.
The following cannot be added to compost:
- weeds with set seeds, living roots of wheatgrass and horsetail;
- tops of plants affected by downy mildew and late blight, especially tomatoes and potatoes;
- plants treated with herbicides;
- fruit tree seeds;
- pet excrement;
- inorganic waste:
- protein waste (they emit a strong unpleasant odor when rotting and attract animals).
Adviсe
There are a few simple rules that will help you get high-quality compost faster:
- Stir the contents from time to time;
- Maintain moisture levels by watering the compost pile as needed;
- dry waste should alternate with fresh, hard with soft, brown with green;
- do not compact the layers too tightly;
- the optimal ratio of dry to wet material is 5 to 1;
- Sometimes add worms and add rotting accelerators. Accelerators are sold in specialized stores in the form of concentrates;
- Cow manure infused in water and certain types of plants (for example, dandelion, valerian, yarrow and chamomile) also speed up fermentation.
By following these recommendations, you can get an environmentally friendly and nutrient-rich fertilizer, the quality of which you can be 100% sure of.
Care of aerobic and anaerobic composting soil
With anaerobic composting, human intervention is not required. The main thing is that the temperature outside corresponds to the mode of functioning of the bacteria. In winter, the container is moved to a warm room.
If ripening occurs with access to air, then the more air there is, the faster the compost will be ready. To do this, loosen the components with a pitchfork every 2–3 weeks In hot weather, the pile is watered with clean water without chlorine. To prevent rain from getting inside the compost bin, it is covered with film or a piece of plastic.
How to make a compost pit
The type of flower garden is an irregular flower bed. It is significantly different from its predecessor. Firstly, it is durable, due to the fact that it is formed from different plants. They bloom sequentially, replacing each other, and you can enjoy similar beauty throughout the entire flowering period. The stages of plant flowering change in waves. In addition to flowering plants, it is worth using evergreen flowers, this will help the flowerbed remain green all the time.
