What do ya'll think about composting?

[LindsayB]

I have been wanting to buy a compost bin for our backyard for quite a while. My husband keeps telling me that we don't need one and it will stink up the backyard. We eat alot of produce and I hate throwing away fruit and veggie peels, bread, etc when I know we could somehow use them. Plus I think you can put chicken poo in the compost bin as well. I know it would make excellent soil for our flower beds and trees. Anyway, what I'm asking is would this be a good idea or are we going to scare our neighbors with a bad smell. Our backyard isn't very big either...What are your thoughts?

 

[maplesky7]

do it right...it won't smell... start googling

and it's a great thing to do for the environment... great for your garden or planted pots....

 

[maplesky7]

and wait a minute... bread and peels.... why aren't you feeding those to your chickens?

 

[saddina]

Quote:
+1

Composting is fine, and with mimial work it's not stinky. Anything the chicks or bunnies will eat they get them first.

 

[LindsayB]

they are still chicks lol. only 3-4 weeks old! I will start doing some research on it then.

 

[saddina]

Quote:
Give them small amounts now, so they get used to treats. Mine adore melon seeds, and rinds. Make sure to offer sand/grit when offering treats.

 

[chickintexas]

I'm all over composting but my DH says if I want to do it then I've got to build my own compost bin.

That's okay. I'd much rather build my own than spend all that money on those tiny pricey plastic ones. I saw a nice design several years ago made with 4X4s and 2X4s. One 4X4 in each corner. The 2X4s are the sides and back. The front was designed a bit differently to where the 2X4s slid in at a slight angle (think wood slate windows) and whenever you needed to turn the compost, you remove a couple of the slats. Nice and simple design.

 

[chickeypoo]

i agree. do it right and it don't stink! lol. all those wonderful nutrients just getting thrown away? NO WAY! lol.

 

[Boyd]

I do whats called Vermi composting

Yup, I have a tub of 10,000 worms in my house not 2 steps out of the kitchen. All the butt ends of bread go in, all peelings go in (with the exception of lemon or lime) junk mail shredded goes in, cardboard pizza boxes? Yup goes in.

Why worms? More nutrients than regular ole compost, plus since I've been doing this I've not purchased any worms for fishing (and when I go there are always 10 of us so I take lots!!!!)

 

[grandmaof5]

And even if people tell you to, do NOT put meat in your compost bin; almost everything else is fine; do some reading. I think Mother Earth News online has some article on it, too.