Not every gardener has the space for a large compost pile, and not all municipalities allow backyard composting.
The good news is it’s easy to compost in a small space.
However, it’s more typical for the process to require about two months.
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If rodents or other pests are a problem in your area, a metal can is recommended.
These holes will provide the airflow and oxygen necessary to enhance the composting process.
Attach the Screening
Cut pieces of metal window screening large enough to cover each hole.
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Position Your Trash Can Composter
Put your trash can composter in a convenient place.
If possible, raise it up on a couple of bricks to allow air circulation under the can.
Add Compostable Material
Begin addingplant-based organic materialsto the composter.
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Try for a ratio of at least 4:1 of browns to greens.
To speed decomposition, add a handful of nitrogen fertilizer or a small amount of commercial compost starter.
Compost starter includes a mixture of nitrogen and microorganisms that promote decomposition.
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You also can add a shovelful of garden soil, which contains microorganisms that help break down the compost.
On the flip side, a pile that is too dry generally will not emit any warmth.
Monitor the moisture level throughout the decomposition process, and adjust your ratio of greens to browns accordingly.
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In addition to moisture, you’ll also need to keep your compost aerated to provide oxygen.
Do this once or twice a week until the compost is ready to use.
This indicates the materials have fully broken down.
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As organic material breaks down into usable compost, the nutrients are unlocked into a form plants can use.
Also, don’t add pet waste, which can spread harmful pathogens.
Composting Without Air
The traditional composting method requires oxygen.
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It’s known asaerobic composting.
But it’s also possible to compost anaerobically (without oxygen).
This is accomplished by confining organic material and moisture in an environment that lacks airflow.
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The process uses a different group of microorganisms, and it takes considerably longer than traditional composting.
But in the end, it also produces nutritious compost.
Trash cans with lids are perfect containers for this kind of composting.
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Then, keep the container tightly sealed except when you are adding material.
Composting Tips
Compost loses volume as the organic material breaks down.
you’re free to continue to add materials as the level in the trash can drops.
But eventually, you should stop adding materials to allow the contents to fully convert into compost.
Althoughweedscan be composted, their seeds might remain viable unless the compost bin generates enough heat to kill them.
Many home compost bins don’t develop the necessary heat.
Thus, the weed seeds can spread and grow in your garden.
For this reason, some gardeners avoid putting weeds into the compost bin.
Furthermore, don’t compost plant material that has clear signs ofdisease, such as fungal leaf spots.
Finally, sticks and twigs can be composted, though they take a while to break down.
It helps to chop up sticks into small bits before adding them to the bin.
