Expert: Greg - 5/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Greg,
I am considering purchasing a Sun Mar autoflow 200 composter for our home use as an alternative to disposing of our garbage and for use as flower fertilizer, possibly garden. The key feature I liked about the autoflow is that it is a continual feed composter. I have no experience composting but wondered if this might be too gimmicky? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks, Kevin
ANSWER: Hello Kevin

In my Humble Opinion, all of these so called Gadgets are quite Pricey, and not really needed, unless you have some unique situations.

If you are on a small lot, and space is a concern, then I would say they do serve a purpose.

If a constant supply of ready Compost is important, then you would have 2 Piles, one working, and the other ready to go.

If you practice good Composting Techniques, then matter will Decompose just as quick as with or without these.

If you like a Tumbler Composter, quite expensive in my opinion, then take a Plastic Barrel, Drill 1" holes up and down about 8" apart including the Top and Bottom, seal the Lid, then roll it around on the ground every few days. Its the same thing. Granted this may not look as high Tech as a Tumbler type Composter, but it will work just as well.

If you are going to Compost Kitchen Garbage, here are a few key things to avoid, Bones, Dairy Products, Meats, Greens that have had Oils added to them, including all Salad Dressings. A balance of Carbon, <brown matter> and Nitrogen <green matter> will speed up the whole process. If you have a ready supply of Fall Leaves this works great, Grass Clippings <green matter> should be added also. Keep the matter all moist, but do NOT soak it. Remember that the smaller the matter is before it goes in, the quicker it will Decompose. A sprinkling of regular soil throughout will work as an activator to get it all going.

You can experiment along the way to figure out what works best for you, just remember not to add too much of any one thing, you need balance to avoid making it Putrid and smelly.

If you need an answer to a Specific question about any of this, don't hesitate to follow up with another question.

The Best of Luck

   Greg



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Greg, thank you for the best composting explanation I've heard yet. So now I'm going to make two bins, I've heard about fencing and 3 sided units to ease mixing, but what do you think is the best way to make them?

Answer
Hello again Kevin

Fencing and 3 sides is the right way to go.

3 4x4's sunk into the ground in the front, same with the back. How tall you want this is up to you. You can use Chicken wire, or my prefered choice, Concrete wire. Concrete wire is the stuff they use on Freeways under the cement, it is sturdy and will last longer. String it left, back, and right. In the Middle, just sting it to the front, that way you have open bins on both. If you want to, and this is optional, put 6x6 blocks on the bottom, then run 1" boards accross 2" apart. When matter decomposes, it will fall in between the 2" spacing. At the bottom will be composted material, while you mix from the top.

Check with your local building department before you start, some citys require you to bulid Compost Bins to Local Ordinances.

The Best of Luck
   Greg