Best Of Compost Bins

As we prepare for the next planning season, let’s continue our discussion on compost. There are two main different kinds of compost bins: the tumbling bin and something called the three bin system.

At Grace Heritage Ranch we use the three bin method; this consists of three separate compost bins. These can be simple three sided bins made out of whatever you have at hand, such as pallets. The bins don’t need a floor since that would make it harder for earthworms to get into the compost. Whether you put a top on or not is up to you. However, if it has a top it will need more water because it will not be getting water from the rain. A top will keep snow out if you live in a place that snows. Since we don’t’ encounter that here in south Texas, our bins don’t have tops.

This system works by moving compost from one bin to the next as the previous one becomes full. If done and turned properly, you will eventually have one bin of finished compost, one being worked on, and one of incoming material.

The other method of making compost is by using a tumbling bin which is simply that, a bin on a stand that you can rotate. You’ve probably seen them at building/outdoor stores or gardening centers. Plans for building them can also be found online by searching for “compost tumbler plans”. These work by adding compostable material to the tumbling bin and turning it periodically. When the bin is full, you stop adding material but continue turning it regularly until the compost is finished.

To learn even more and get hands-on experience, join us at Grace Heritage Ranch for our Saturday morning tours. We are located just 30 minutes northeast of Harlingen near Santa Monica. Please visit us at www.GraceHeritageRanch.com or www.Facebook.com/VisitGHR. For a recorded message, please call 1-855-447-8687. We offer both public and private tours.