Best Composting Method for You: Pros & Cons of 6 Systems

Composting, a term that is often heard in gardening circles, is more than just a buzzword. It’s a simple yet powerful process that can transform your garden while reducing your environmental footprint.

This guide aims to delve into the depths of composting, exploring its benefits, understanding its science, and helping you choose the best composting method tailored to your needs.

Understanding Composting

What is Composting?

Composting is the natural process where organic waste material decomposes into a rich, soil-like substance known as compost. When we compost, we are essentially speeding up and controlling a process that occurs naturally in nature.

The science behind composting is fascinating. It involves a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and insects, breaking down organic matter into simpler substances.

These microscopic workers generate heat as they work, which further speeds up the process, leading to the creation of compost – a nutrient-rich, dark, crumbly substance that gardeners aptly refer to as ‘black gold’.

Why Compost?

Composting has a multitude of benefits, both environmental and horticultural.

Environmental Benefits:

One of the significant environmental benefits of composting is waste reduction. By composting, we can recycle nearly 30% of household waste that would otherwise end up in landfill sites. This not only reduces the demand for landfill space but also decreases the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas produced when organic waste decomposes in landfills.

Benefits to Soil and Plant Health:

For the home gardener and professional landscaper alike, the benefits of composting extend far beyond waste reduction.

Compost improves the structure and health of the soil, enhancing its ability to retain water and nutrients. It also introduces beneficial organisms to the soil, which aid in plant growth and help fight off diseases.

Furthermore, compost provides a slow-release source of nutrients for plants, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. This contributes to healthier, more resilient plants and a more vibrant garden.

So, whether you are an experienced home gardener, a landscape architect, or a council decision-maker considering community composting initiatives, understanding composting and its benefits is the first step towards more sustainable and effective gardening practices.

In the following sections, we will explore different composting methods to help you discover the one that best fits your needs.

Different Methods of Composting

When it comes to composting, one size doesn’t fit all. Various factors such as the type of waste you generate, your available space, and the time you can commit to maintaining your compost system will influence the method that suits you best.

Let’s delve deeper into each method’s nuances to help you make an informed choice.

Simple Hot Compost Pile

A hot compost pile is a traditional method where organic waste is stacked in a pile and left to decompose naturally. The heat generated by the decomposing matter speeds up the process.

Pros:

• Cost: This method is cost-effective since it doesn’t require any special equipment.
• Volume: It accommodates larger volumes of waste, ideal for those with large gardens or farms.
• Speed: hot composting promotes faster decomposition.
• Weed, Pest and Disease Management: Hot compost can generally break down seeds, pests and diseases due to the heat produced.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Regular turning of the compost pile is necessary to ensure even decomposition and prevent foul odours.
• Volume: You need a large volume all in one go. This is both a pro and a con, depending on your available waste.

Simple Cool Compost System Using Simple Bay Setup

The cool compost system is the simplest to implement. It’ll often use a three-bay setup where composting materials are turned from one bay to the next, promoting aeration and separating unfinished and finished compost for ease of use.

Pros:

• Management: Multiple compost piles at different stages of decomposition can be easily managed.
• Cost: This simple can be set up as easily as piling green waste on the ground. A few sleepers or some chicken wire will help contain the compost.

Cons:

• Space: This method requires more space, which may not be feasible for everyone.
• Labour: Turning the compost from one bay to another requires manual effort.
• Speed: This is possibly the slowest compost method.

Compost Tumbler

A compost tumbler is a container that can be rotated to mix composting materials, ensuring even decomposition.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: The tumbler design makes turning compost easy, promoting faster decomposition.
• Pest-Resistant: The enclosed design is pest-resistant and contains odours.

Cons:

• Capacity: Compost tumblers have a limited capacity, making them unsuitable for large volumes of waste.
• Cost: They can be more expensive than simple compost piles or bins.

Indoor Compost Machine

An indoor compost machine is an electric device that accelerates the composting process, turning waste into compost within hours.

Pros:

• Speed and Convenience: It’s fast and convenient, ideal for those who produce small volumes of waste.
• Indoor Use: Perfect for those without outdoor space.

Cons:

• Volume: It can only handle small volumes of waste.
• Operating Cost: The need for electricity adds to its operating cost and carbon footprint. Not to mention the initial cost of the machine.

Worm Farm

A worm farm uses earthworms to consume organic waste, producing nutrient-rich worm castings and worm tea.

Pros:

• Quality Compost: Produces high-quality vermicompost and liquid fertiliser.
• Kitchen Waste: Effectively composts kitchen waste.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Requires careful management to maintain the right conditions for the worms.
• Waste Types: Certain types of waste like meat, citrus and onions can’t be composted using this method as they can harm the worms.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae

This method utilises the larvae of the black soldier fly to consume organic waste quickly.

Pros:

• Efficiency: The larvae consume large amounts of waste quickly.
• Meats and Fats: This method can break down meats and fats, while most other methods aren’t able to do so safely or effectively.
• Byproduct: The fattened larvae serve as a valuable high-protein feed for poultry or fish.

Cons:

• Complexity: Setting up and maintaining this system can be challenging.
• Suitability: This method may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who are squeamish about insects.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Composting Method

When deciding on a composting method, several factors come into play:

• Space Availability: The amount of space you have available can determine whether you opt for a simple hot or cold compost pile, a three-bay system, a compact compost tumbler, or to engage the assistance of worms or black soldier fly larvae.
• Type of Waste Generated: The kind of organic waste you produce can also influence your choice. For instance, worm farms are excellent for kitchen waste but are sensitive to certain types of waste like meat, citrus and onions.
• Time and Effort Willing to Invest: Some methods require more maintenance than others. If you’re not keen on regular turning of compost, a compost tumbler might be a good fit.
• Desired End Product: If you’re interested in liquid fertiliser in addition to compost, a worm farm could be advantageous.

Tips for Successful Composting

Regardless of the composting method chosen, here are some best practices and common mistakes to avoid:

• Balance Your Greens and Browns: A healthy compost pile needs a good balance of ‘green’ nitrogen-rich materials (like vegetable scraps) and ‘brown’ carbon-rich materials (like dried leaves).
• Avoid Composting Diseased Plants: While composting is an excellent way to recycle garden waste, avoid composting diseased plants as they can spread diseases to other plants when the compost is used. However, hot compost can often break down these diseases.
• Turn Your Compost Regularly: Regular turning helps to aerate your compost pile and speed up the decomposition process.

Implementing Composting in Your Garden

How to Use Compost in Your Garden

Compost can be used in various ways in your garden:

• Soil Amendment: Mix compost into your garden soil to improve its structure, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity.
• Mulch: Spread compost around your plants to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and slowly release nutrients into the soil. This is best done when mixed with larger bark chips and understand that the material will break down more quickly than standard mulch types. The nitrogen helps prevent the mulch from becoming hydrophobic even with fine particles.

Different types of plants benefit from compost in different ways. For example, vegetables and flowers thrive with the nutrient boost from compost, while trees and shrubs benefit from the improved soil structure.

Maintaining Your Compost System

Maintaining a healthy compost system involves regular tasks and checks:

• Turn Your Compost: Depending on your composting method, regular turning helps to aerate your compost pile and speed up decomposition.
• Monitor Moisture Levels: Your compost should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, add more ‘brown’ materials. Ensure adequate drainage is available.

If you encounter problems like foul odours or slow decomposition, don’t be disheartened. These are common issues that can often be fixed by adjusting the balance of green and brown materials or improving aeration.

Daniel’s Wrap

Composting is a rewarding process that benefits not only your garden but also the environment. By understanding the different composting methods and their pros and cons, you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

So, why wait? Start your composting journey today and unlock the potential of your garden waste!