“Rotline” Question of the Week: Can I convert a garbage can into a compost bin?

Yes, it is a great solution when a compost pile is just not feasible because of small yards or sensitive neighbors.  Here’s a cheap and easy way to convert one of your garbage cans into a compost bin. Materials: – 30+ gallon plastic garbage can, with locking lid (optional: bungee cords to hold the lid [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Can I compost pet waste?

Although, pet waste can be composted, it takes careful monitoring to make sure the bin is over 140 degrees  for 14 days to kill all the bacteria, intestinal parasites and pathogens.  Also, the bin must be turned regularly to insure the cooler outside edges are moved to the hot center of the bin. The intense [...]

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Rotline Question of the Week: Where should I position my compost bin?

There are several things to keep in mind when setting up your composting station: Sun or shade? A worm bin is best placed in the shade. The worms will not fare well in hot temperatures or during a deluge of water during a rainstorm. By placing them in the shade, they will be more protected [...]

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Rotline Question of the Week: Can you have too many greens in your compost pile?

Sometimes, composters find themselves lacking in browns (carbon rich materials like straw, mulch, shredded paper, etc.) and having a surplus of greens (nitrogen rich materials like kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, freshly cut grass, etc.). But is it bad to have too many greens? What happens if you have too many greens in your compost bin? [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Do I need to shred or grind my materials to compost them?

Shredding and grinding materials speeds up the process of composting. Smaller pieces will break down faster in your pile because it increases the surface area. This makes the material easier for bacteria to break down the material. You do not have to shred or grind your materials. The process will just take longer. If you [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Do I need a thermometer to compost?

You can definitely compost without a thermometer, but thermometers do make composting a bit easier. Thermometers can help you know when to turn your pile, when to add more material, when to add water, and when your compost is finished. Many composters also enjoy the satisfaction of seeing just how hot their pile can get! [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: What’s the best way to start my compost bin?

If you are using a Smith & Hawken Biostack or other bin, you will want to fill the bin to the brim with materials when you start. Most people will stock pile materials for a couple of weeks before building the bin.  A volume of 3′ X 3′ x 3′ is ideal. Be sure  to [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: How much food can worms eat?

Worms can eat half of their weight in one day under the best conditions. For a Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin one pound of worms is needed to start your bin. There are about 1,000 worms in a pound. For the first few days you will only want to add a small quantity of food as [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: Do I need to add worms to my compost bin?

Worms are generally used in closed-system compost bins. Worm bins are used to house the worms, which will digest your materials and create castings. When using a worm bin, you will need to add worms to the bin. Compost bins are generally open-bottom bins and do not require worms.  In a compost bin microbes called [...]

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“Rotline” Question of the Week: How Can I Get My Compost Pile to Heat Up Properly?

Heating up your compost pile is beneficial for you and the organisms inside.  Compost that peaks at temperatures between 130° and 150°F breaks down faster due to optimal activity.  It also helps with getting rid of invasive pests and dangerous pathogens in your materials.  However, some composters just can’t seem to get their compost to [...]

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