Compost Barrels

The world is beginning to head in a better direction. By using a compost barrel, you can join the group of people going green. The need to 'go green' is becoming a popular trend and many big companies are following in its path. One can browse the aisles at a supermarket and find a dozen cleaning items that contain no harsh chemicals, foods that are organically grown, and dairy products that use no hormones. And while these are the simple changes many people are already bringing into their homes, many others are considering some other Eco-friendly changes. These changes ultimately help the world become a safer, cleaner place. For this very reason, using a compost barrel is something of interest to many homeowners.

A compost barrel is a container that is used to create compost. Compost is a mixture of organic materials, including kitchen scraps or paper and yard waste, that are decomposed naturally. This mixture can then be used as a fertilizer for the yard or garden. It is a brown and natural waste that improves the quality and growth of plants and gardens.

One of the reasons why compost is so beneficial to use in gardens is that it is rich in nutrients and minerals. This in turn helps maximize the quality of plants and vegetables. In addition, certain things such as soil or peat can be mixed into the compost, helping to balance the pH levels in the soil.

Not only is compost an advantage for the garden, but it also allows for a simpler lifestyle with much less waste. You can throw kitchen scraps into the compost barrel, including those of vegetables and fruits. Do not throw any dairy or meat products in there. You can also throw yard waste into the barrel, including leaves and grass clippings. This makes for less garbage bags and odors from a build up of waste.

Composting barrels can be made from a variety of materials. The ones that prove to have the best durability and lifespan are those that are made from wood or recycled plastic. When choosing a compost barrel, you will want to make sure that it will fit your lifestyle. If you will be generating large amounts of compost, be sure to buy one that is big enough. Also be sure that it is durable, after all, this barrel will be used heavily and used outdoors.

Other important things to look for are that the composting barrel is vermin-proof. Having cooked food sitting in the barrel will attract mice among other animals, so make sure that it has a strong, firm base and lid. The lid should also be rainproof.

There are many compost barrels to choose from on the market, or it's easy enough that you can make one on your own. You can choose a plastic or wooden barrel. Simply hammer 4 to 6 holes on the base of the barrel using a screwdriver in place of a nail. This will allow for larger holes. Then add more holes on the sides of the barrel. The most ideal position to place the holes are around the barrel so that they look like rings.

Using your compost barrel is easy. Simply add the materials as they become available to you. Perhaps after cooking a meal or weeding the garden. Throw the scraps into the barrel and voila! The more types of materials you use in your compost mixture, the more rich it will be. You will want to add some oxygenated materials to the barrel such as leaves or brown paper bag scraps. This will help reduce rotting and moisture.

When avoiding bugs such as fruit flies, add a layer of soil on occasion. You can also dump waste into the barrel at night when the bugs are less of a nuisance. You will also want to have your compost barrel close enough to the house for easy access, but not too close where it will cause your house to smell. Remember that compost barrels do have a buildup of rotting vegetation.

The compost will be made in a simple manner. Inside the compost barrel are thick walls that cause an increase in temperature. These walls also help shield out environmental conditions, such as rain or sleet. In the middle of the barrel is a rod, and a crank is attached at the end on the outside of the barrel. The crank is then used to mix up the contents inside, causing the air to move around and develop a more smooth, even texture.

When making a compost mixture, you must be patient. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for all of the materials to have decomposed. But by the end of this period, you will have the natural, brown compost that your garden will flourish on.