Reasons to Compost

My beloved dual chamber compost tumbler rusted through on one side.



We've been composting for 18 years. The tumbler is an intrinsic part of our system. All the kitchen scraps and [suitable] yard waste go in the tumbler, which tremendously speeds decomposition. You can easily give it a turn, instead of spending hour long sessions with a shovel. The tumbler sits on a frame of spindly metal legs which keeps the rats (and other critters) out while the worms do their business. We switch between active and cooking chambers, and empty the goo into the black box to "finish".

I thought we could limp it along until next summer, but the metal literally caves in with slightest touch. Total garden crisis. I talked with my husband, who asked if we could buy replacement parts. No such luck. $499 to replace the entire unit, if you can find it in stock, and money we just don't have right now.

The best options I could come up with were:

a) Stop composting and buy the stuff in a plastic bag.

b) Use only the black box and get rid of the tumbler.

c) Compost only the paper towels, coffee grinds, and egg shells to avoid the rat problem.

I wasn't happy, but tried to look on the bright side. Composting takes a lot of time. You have to stay on top of the mix, or it will easily sour. I was so relieved when Doug said he can fix it, no problem. (That sheet metal shop class from high school keeps sure comes in handy!)

This is why. He took one look at the compost I laid down on Friday.




You can't buy this. It's black gold.



I harvested 4 gorilla carts full of compost this week - that's 5.5 cubic feet per load.

Reasons to Compost

• Plants love compost. It makes the soil friable, and rich with oxygen and nutrients.
• Using compost instead of chemical fertilizer enriches the soil instead of depleting it. Plus you save money by not buying something in a box.
• The birds and salamanders will thank you for providing food instead of poisoning them.
• Compost keeps weeds at bay and significantly reduces water usage.
• It improves drainage, which the plants like, and helps the soil absorb rain instead of creating run off (El Nino).
• Top dressing your plants with a 1 -2" layer protects roots from frost in winter and the heat in summer.
• If you make it, you don't have to buy it - and cart a bunch of dirt around in your car.
• There's no real knowing what's in a box or bag. What you make is a superior product, tuned to the chemistry of your garden.
• Ameliorates the guilt of throwing out fruits and vegetables that didn't get eaten.