Garbage Can Composters

Do I really need to explain more than this?

You need a drill with a 1/4 to 1/2 inch bit. 

1 piece of PVC pipe

1 garbage can with a lid

I used 1/4 inch holes because it is very dry in Calgary and I wanted to keep some of the moisture in the can.

The pvc pipe was about 18 inch taller than the can and needs a bunch of 1/4 inch holes all over.

It provides aeration by circulating the air and helps the composting process stay aerobic and not a stinking mess.

These are small composters and need all the help they can get.

So far so good. 

They are are easy to roll and turn the compost . 

No smell but still the right moisture level.

And damned good looking!

We've been having some rain and I had to cover the bins (I have 2) to keep them from getting waterlogged and anaerobic.

I left them uncovered for a day of rain and then covered them up.

Worked fine.

That's it.

The PVC pipe cost $3

There's lots of info on composting online.

I think these smaller units would be good for balconies.

They are a good size fit for one or two people's kitchen waste.

I'm using 2 Roughneck cans between 3 people and it's working well.

Remember the green/brown rule and you should have decent compost in 3-4 months.

I've read that comfrey leaves will accelerate the composting process.

I have it growing in both yards and have transplanted them as cover for one of my raised beds.

It's a pretty tough plant and all of the divisions seem to have taken well in the bed..

It's a  great nitrogen fixer and a dynamic accumulator in the garden and a compost booster.

Gotta try that!

I'm told to expect it to return from where I harvested it in the yards.

I'm curious to see how invasive it is in the bed but also how to harvest it for it's many excellent medicinal properties. I'm still not sure about the healthy state of the soil it's been growing in.

Will it help my shovel elbow?

Get a drill and get to work.

Cheers.