Tips for choosing the best compost method for your needs

In the world of gardening, compost is a critical component for growing the best produce, flowers and trees, and choosing the best method of composting from the many available is of primary concern. There are a number of ways for a home gardener to produce the 'black gold' that is so important for growing healthy species. When selecting a composting method, consider the volume of compost, materials you have available, length of time to finish the product, space availability, and even the gardener's health, stamina and strength.

• To begin, simply layer the required materials, including a few handfuls of soil, into a five-gallon bucket.
• The soil helps the bacteria break down the other materials.
• Drop in a few earthworms, and they will do a marvellous job of turning that yuck into a beautiful black compost called "castings."
• Coffee grounds, cornmeal, lettuce trimmings, carrot peels--all will be consumed and eliminated by these voracious little critters. Best of all, this method is odour-free.

• One of the easiest, most popular composting methods includes a simple cylinder made of 10-cm by 10-cm wire mesh.
• This should be cut to be 1-metre tall and a little less than a metre in diameter.
• Because it's made of mesh, air can penetrate the sides.
• Watering the compost from the top will promote the heating up of the pile, which helps break down the layered materials.
• Stake it securely, so winds won't blow it over.
• Turning the compost occasionally is optional.

• Another simple but more costly approach is the compost barrel, which is sold at most landscaping and gardening centres.
• These barrels are also available online at certain retailers.
• The barrels generally feature a handle and are built on a stand, which allow the gardener to turn the compost periodically.
• Keeping the materials watered and aerated is easy for just about anyone.
• This method is ideal for those with health limitations because it requires very little effort to maintain.

• If you have a strong back, sufficient time and the space required, building a standalone pile can produce a bigger volume of compost.
• This method can be constructed from available components such as concrete blocks or wood pallets. Even sturdy wire and steel posts will work well.
• If the space available in the garden is sufficient to support a large pile, simply pile the plant materials up in the required layers.
• Water it regularly and let it sit for a few months to produce compost.
• This type of compost is sufficient for mulching or building new planting areas.
• Watering is crucial, as is the proper content, so the pile will heat up and do its work.