Setting Up A Compost Bin
If you live a in warm climate and get less than 10 inches of rain a year, setting up a compost bin is an excellent idea in a water-wise yard. I have avoided putting succulent trimmings in my black tower bin.
Why? I don’t know!
As I started telling you about composting, I realized I should try the succulent trimmings. Aeoniums and Echeverias, have moisture and are similar to kitchen scraps like potato peel and fruit that is allowed to get too ripe. Well, this will be my next subject to write about.
Today is about getting the compost bin started.
Being experienced and time-worn I can recall the incinerators that used to be in almost every suburban backyard in mid-20th century Los Angeles County. By the time my parents purchased a home with the concrete tower it was time to disposed of it. The Air Pollution Control District started in 1948, voted to get rid of incinerators and the smoky practice was against regulations Sept. 30, 1958. Cities were to start comprehensive trash pick up. One of the first add-on charges to the city bill, I imagine.
In this modern and greener age the compost bin does the same thing, but more. I don’t think lawn clippings were burned. The incinerator was for dry items only, a compost tower can receive dry and wet items and would be beneficial in every yard.
Every afternoon we get a prevailing wind that dissipates the CO2 it generates. I can only image the plants and trees in my yard may generate enough oxygen for a trade off. Zero footprint would be nice.
Composting Helps Save Water
Adding compost helps to retain water in soil.
The kitchen disposal with its running water is used so much less. Less than once a week in this house.
Save cooking liquids for the bin’s moisture.
Three Pages Already Published About Compost Bin Startup
10 Exciting Reasons Why I Love to Compost
Make A Base for Your Garden Gourmet Compost Bin
How-to Start Composting at Home
Have You Started A Compost Bin?
Leave your thoughts below. Always Having Fun in Your Backyard, Sherry Venegas
Information source on the LA County incinerators.
http://www.aqmd.gov/home/library/public-information/publications/50-years-of-progress#Early%20Smog%20Control%20Efforts
My husband and I have been talking about composting in our backyard. We don’t live in a very dry area like you do so hopefully that won’t be a problem.
We are just getting so sick of throwing so much food waste into the garbage when we could be composting.
I am going to take a look at the articles you mentioned and hopefully get started to set up a compost bin within the next few weeks.
Simone, the food waste going to the landfill is the best reason to start the bin and the plant based food all breaks down in one to two days. If you are in a wetter climate maybe all that needs to be considered is less water to be added. During the summer I add water so I have the wet sponge feel. Do not get discouraged because it may take adjustments to get a working heat started. If lots of things fail try putting a bag of Starbucks free coffee grounds to torn newspaper or dry fall leaves. Winter will be a less active time for the compost bin. Have fun with your new backyard project.
Hi Sherry,
Thanks for the very interesting article on setting up a compost bin. I say interesting because I hadn’t really thought about the fact that the composted material would help retain water in my garden. I also live in a very dry area. I’ve been putting off the creation of a compost bin (laziness?). But if I consider the gardening benefits of both enriched soil and water retention, I think this may motivate me.
Hi Linda,
In California we have lots of snails. Putting crushed eggs shells in the compost discourage them because they do not like to crawl on the sharp edges. Composting has so many benefits and it is an interesting project. My husband has decided to ignore the compost bin so I have full control of what is happening to my finished product. I can give special care to my favorite areas of the yard.
Hello I believe that we have some things in common firts we are both members of wealthy affiliate and secondly we are both passoniate about gardening, my website is also abou gardening. Thanks for sharing your article is well detailed and has good information, It is such a good feeling when you can have a garden in your yard and watch as all that hard work pays off, nothing like eating your own produce where you are sure that they are chemical. All the best to you and have a good a day.
Norman, gardening is the first way anyone can enjoy the outdoors. I am trying to include native plants to mine, as well as the succulents.