You may need a compost bin to turn fall tree leaves into rich, healthy compost for your garden.
"A compost burner is cleaner than an open pile and more efficient, especially in the winter," says Sharon Isla, an entomologist at Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic in Laila.
At the same time, the reservoir must provide air and water for bacteria, fungi, insects, arthropods, and other organisms that fertilize your leaves and other plants.
Effective composting requires sufficient material to support the composting organism. The large mass retains enough heat to continue the decomposition process in cold weather.
"The rule of thumb is 1 cubic meter, or 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet," Isla said. This amount exceeds 200 liters.
Some communities, including Chicago, require closed containers with pet-safe lids. Check with your local authorities for composting regulations.
You can buy or build a compost pit, but first think about how you are going to use it. Would you like to access your finished compost in small batches or wait to collect a larger batch? "Adding kitchen waste to your compost or garden waste like leaf litter also makes a difference," says Jesla. Some yard waste is less attractive to animals and requires fewer enclosures.
The type of trash can you choose will depend in part on where you intend to store it. Make sure you have enough space to reach the door or other opening. Also, consider where you will place your compost to show respect to your neighbors. Different types of garden fertilizer are discussed in different situations.
Here are some common types to consider:
Open Bin: An open bin made of wood, chicken wire, or perforated plastic is the simplest type and is often referred to as a batch composter. It can be square or cylindrical. They accumulate plant matter, wait for everything to rot and immediately harvest the entire crop. Usually one side of the bin can be removed to collect the finished compost. For a constant supply, some gardeners have three bins—one for filling, one for compost, and one for ready-to-use compost. "Open tanks are easy to make and cheap to buy," says Isla. They also make turning the fertilizer easier by mixing it with air to speed up the process. But they don't ban animals.
Flow hopper : This is a body, usually cubic or cylindrical, with a lid at the top and a door at the bottom for adding material and collecting compost. As it burrows and moves with the pillar, the plant matter slowly decomposes. Finished compost is often included in this type of fertilizer, but only in small amounts. Because the materials don't mix and transform to deliver more oxygen to the body, compost builds up slowly. Air circulation in the openings is very important, especially with these locks. Although they are very expensive, they are relatively hardy to animals.
Rotary Composter: This is basically a plastic box with air holes that you fill with plant matter and mix it up by rolling it on the floor or spinning it on a crankshaft. The main advantage of compost cups is speed: regular turning gives the body more oxygen, so you can quickly break down the material in a few weeks. However, the quantity is small and compost is only available in groups. "Besides, you have to do the work," Yesla said. "You won't let it get you down."
To learn more about composting and how to use it, visit mortonarb.org/composting.
For tree and plant advice, contact the Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic (630-719-2424, mortonarb.org/plant-clinic or plantclinic@mortonarb.org ). Beth Botts is the editor of the Arboretum.
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