5 gallon bucket composters are the preferred choice by many gardeners and farmers. The beauty of this type of composting is that they are so lightweight that you can easily move them from place to place. If you live in a small apartment or have room to store a large compost bin, then you may want to consider using a bucket compost tumbler. The following article will explain why I consider them to be the best.
If you have a large piece of property that you would like to compost then there is a need for an aerobic compost pile. You will need to create this compost pile outside. Your compost can also be created inside a container garden. An outdoor compost pile needs to be sealed and the contents should be contained in heavy duty plastic liners. This is the optimum container for your compost as it allows proper ventilation and does not permit the decomposition of odorous gases.
When you are creating your potting bench or planting area, make sure that the compost is placed on a sturdy and flat surface. Plastic plants in containers create a great deal of heat. If you use potting benches with plastic surfaces, make sure that the bench top is made from a non-plastic material. In my opinion the best compost to place on a plastic patio or veranda top is the cardboard variety. Cardboard compost cannot be used on metal surfaces.
Before adding your compost pile to the container, be sure to mix it thoroughly with a spore absorbent. Many compost bins do not come with these products but it is very important to make sure that you get a good one. A good bacteria cultures composting culture helps to breakdown organic matter quickly. It also creates a rich, dark, fluffy smell which is ideal for your garden.
My potting bench has plastic slats but this does not interfere with my container gardening. The plastic slats I have been all the more durable. My pots sit in the bucket compost container and they are held securely in place by the plastic slats. I actually have to lift the pots occasionally because they sometimes slide down into the drainage hole.
Once you have your compost ready for the garden, be sure to aerate it regularly. This means opening up the container and making sure air can flow freely through it. You might also want to consider keeping a garden fertilizer inside the container. If you do not have a lot of time to tend your garden, you can purchase a compost timer or an automatic compost tumbler. These are great for getting the bulk of your compost ready the night before and you can empty it right before you get up the next morning.
As you use your bucket, you will notice that the consistency is a little looser than what it was when you first filled it. This is normal. It will usually take about two weeks before the soil is fully ready. When you empty the container, be sure to throw away the soil in the bottom. This is what will build up and make your plants look beautiful.
A few things you can do to further improve the appearance of your compost are adding a layer of mulch and giving it a light mist treatment. Mulch will help keep weed seeds from germinating in the soil. Also, a light mist treatment will add moisture and help your plants stay healthy. Another thing that I do is check my plants for signs of disease. If they are healthy, I will give them a light pruning and I let them grow naturally.