Storing Compost: Tips and Containers to Use

✅ Composting is a natural process of recycling organic matter into a valuable fertilizer.
✅ When storing compost, it’s important to keep it in an airtight container that will protect it from pests and animals.
✅ Compost should be stored at room temperature and should be turned every few weeks.
✅ Label the containers with its contents to keep track of the compost.
✅ Storing compost in a container provides a stable environment for microbes and shields it from snow and rain.

Hello! My name is Emily and I’m a Gardening Enthusiast at 23. Composting is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint and benefit the environment.
Storing compost in a container provides many advantages, such as creating a stable environment for microbes, shielding it from snowfall or rainstorms, and providing ready-to-use compost when you need it most.

When choosing a container for composting, there are several options to consider: plastic bins, burlap sacks, and galvanized steel garbage bins can all be used.

When selecting one, however, consider factors like durability, moisture, and heat resistance as well as blocking light and providing airflow.

Lastly, choose an area that stays dry and mild in temperature; insulate the compost if possible and check on it periodically to ensure its health remains optimal.

Compost Storage Containers	Pros	Cons
Large plastic storage bins with lids	Cheap, lightweight, durable, easy to move around, and come in various sizes and shapes.	May not be breathable enough, may need to drill holes for ventilation, and may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option.
Burlap sacks and compost bags	Biodegradable, breathable, and allow for some moisture and air circulation.	Can be messy, may attract pests or rodents, may tear easily, and may not be ideal for long-term storage.
Plastic bags	Inexpensive, widely available, and can be reused or recycled.	Not very durable, can tear or puncture easily, may not be breathable or provide enough drainage.
Galvanized steel garbage bins	Strong, sturdy, and weather-resistant, and have lids that can be locked or sealed.	Heavy, may rust or corrode over time, may be expensive or hard to find.

Composting is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. It’s a natural process of recycling organic matter such as leaves and food scraps into beneficial fertilizer that can enrich soil for plants to grow. But once the compost has been made, what do you do with it? Here are some tips on storing compost and containers for use.

When storing compost, it’s essential to keep it in an airtight container that will protect it from pests or animals. Common containers include plastic bins, wooden boxes, and even large trash cans with lids; make sure the container can hold all your material without overflowing. If living in cold climates, consider using an insulated container in order to prevent freezing or overheating of your compost.

Once you’ve selected a container for your compost, ensure it remains dry and out of direct sunlight. Compost should be stored at room temperature with regular turns every few weeks so air can circulate through the material; this helps expedite decomposition and guarantees your compost breaks down properly over time.

Finally, when storing compost make sure to label each container with its contents so you know what type of material it contains. This will assist in keeping track of which materials can be immediately used in your garden or yard and which need more time for breakdown before being utilized.

Storing compost doesn’t have to be a difficult or complicated process – simply choose the appropriate container for your needs and store it away from direct sunlight! These steps will guarantee your compost remains fresh and ready for use when you need it!

Benefits of Storing Compost in a Container

Before we dive into the different types of compost storage containers, let’s look at why you should store your compost in one in the first place. Here are the main benefits of compost storage:

Creates a stable environment for microbes: By storing your compost in a container, you prevent it from being exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, and light, which can harm the beneficial microbes that break down the organic matter and transform it into humus. A stable environment also helps to speed up the decomposition process and produce a consistent quality of compost.
Shields it from snow and rain: If you leave your compost pile exposed to the elements, it can get soaked by rain or covered by snow, which can slow down the decomposition and make it harder to access the compost.
Provides ready-to-use compost when you need it: When you store your compost in a container, you can access it easily and only take what you need for your gardening or landscaping projects, without disturbing the rest of the pile.

Best Containers for Storing Compost

Now that you know why it’s a good idea to store your compost in a container, let’s look at some of the most popular types of compost storage containers and their pros and cons:

Large plastic storage bins with lids:

Pros: Cheap, lightweight, durable, easy to move around, and come in various sizes and shapes.
Cons: May not be breathable enough, may need to drill holes for ventilation, and may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option.

Burlap sacks and compost bags:

Pros: Biodegradable, breathable, and allow for some moisture and air circulation.
Cons: Can be messy, may attract pests or rodents, may tear easily, and may not be ideal for long-term storage.

Plastic bags:

Pros: Inexpensive, widely available, and can be reused or recycled.
Cons: Not very durable, can tear or puncture easily, may not be breathable or provide enough drainage.

Galvanized steel garbage bins:

Pros: Strong, sturdy, and weather-resistant, and have lids that can be locked or sealed.
Cons: Heavy, may rust or corrode over time, may be expensive or hard to find.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compost Storage Container

When deciding which compost storage container to use, keep in mind these factors:

Durability: Make sure the container is strong enough to hold the weight of the compost and withstand the weather and wear and tear.
Moisture and heat resistance: Choose a container that can handle the moisture and heat generated by the composting process without cracking, warping, or melting.
Blocking light and providing airflow: The container should prevent light from reaching the compost, as it can encourage the growth of algae or other unwanted organisms, and allow for some airflow to promote aerobic composting.

Five Tips on Where to Store Your Compost

Once you’ve chosen the right container for your compost, you also need to consider where to place it. Here are some tips on where to store your compost:

Choose a dry and mild temperature location: Avoid placing your compost container in a spot that is too damp, humid, or exposed to direct sunlight, as it can harm the compost and attract pests.
Insulate the compost to prevent your compost from freezing during the winter, cover it with a tarp or wrap it in insulating material such as straw or leaves.
Store compost on a firm, flat ground not susceptible to flooding: Ensure that the area where you place your container is level, solid, and not at risk of flooding, as this can cause the compost to become waterlogged and anaerobic.
Keep it moist: Regularly check the moisture level of your compost and add water if necessary. However, don’t overwater it, as this can drown the microbes and slow down the decomposition.
Check the compost periodically: Every few weeks, open the lid of your compost container and stir the contents with a pitchfork or shovel to aerate it and distribute the moisture and heat evenly. This will also help you to identify any potential issues, such as bad smells, excessive moisture, or pests.

Conclusion

Storing your compost in a container is an essential step in the composting process that can help you produce high-quality, nutrient-rich soil for your garden or lawn. By choosing the right container, considering the location, and following some basic maintenance tips, you can ensure that your compost remains healthy, stable, and easy to use. Whether you opt for a plastic bin, a burlap sack, or a galvanized steel garbage bin, remember that the key to successful composting is patience, consistency, and a little bit of TLC. Happy composting!