Tools & Equipment Needed For Composting
Composting is not difficult or expensive to do, but like any chore there are various tools and equipment which can make things easier. Knowing each of those items and how they fit into the composting process can help you get started much more quickly, and have better results faster too. Technically where composting is concerned the only required item is space for your compost pile. This isn’t exactly a tool or piece of equipment, but we’ve listed it here since it is a primary neccessity when composting.
1. A Good Compost Pile Location - The area you choose to do your composting in will be used for many months, and often for years. So selecting well from the start is an important step to successful composting. Choose a composting site which can be easily reached by you as needed, and isn’t obstructed or boxed in by other things. The location should also be out of the way somewhat, such as in the back corner of a yard. This way you don’t have to worry about children tripping over the compost pile or playing in it over the years.
If possible, select a composting location which isn’t too shady or sunny. Your compost pile will need the heat from the sun, but it also needs to be able to stay moist. So too much shade will make heat generation difficult and too much sun may make the compost pile too dry.
2. The Right Compost Bin - Tecnically an actual bin or container is not needed to create compost, but some sort of structure that helps the pile remain contained is necessary. Making a box like structure using three wooden pallets is an easy and inexpensive way to create a compost bin, or you can buy a large plastic storage bin from your local discount store and simply remove the bottom from it. Alternatively of course you can buy commercial compost bins as well.
Many experienced composters prefer to have two to three compost bins or piles going at once. This allows you to use finished compost from the first while adding fresh materials to the second or third. Try not to take on too much at first though, most beginners are better off starting with a small setup and growing it as they become more comfortable and knowlegable with the process.
3. A Composting Thermometer - Any type of thermometer can generally be used but it’s best to dedicate one to your compost pile if you plan to use it. Composting works best when the compost pile reaches and maintains certain temperature levels, so having a thermometer can be useful when the experience is new to you.
4. A Garden Fork or Tine - Garden forks are excellent to use for a variety of purposes in the garden, and they make great tools for turning and mixing a compost pile - particularly when the pile is large. If you’re using a commercial compost bin which has turning capabilities built in - or you choose to do the no turn composting method - the garden fork may be an optional tool.
5. Other Small Containers - Additional containers come in handy when you’re harvesting your compost, but they can be useful for micromanaging your compost pile too. If you want to sort your compost materials for example, and feed them in at various times based on the needs of your pile, then these smaller bins can be handy for that too.
