Compost Container Question

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DaliaR Miami, FL Jul 09, 2009

I'd like to try my hand at composting, on a small scale, and would like to know if some old coolers I found in the tool shed would work. The drain holes have long lost their caps, and the exteriors are cracked, but the lids are in good shape, and they are small enough to be manageable. Any ideas?

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tikijenn Thomaston, GA(Zone 7b) Jul 09, 2009

That's so funny that you posted this because I was also wondering if it's okay to use old trash cans. I guess we're thinking alike.

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DaliaR Miami, FL Jul 09, 2009

Yes, looks that way. I'm pretty sure your garbage cans will work great; I've read articles on composting and they seem to be used regularly for that. Just don't know about the coolers - hope someone has tried it before and let's me know if it works.

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sharonf1 Lake in the Hills, IL(Zone 5a) Jul 09, 2009

I'm a beginner composter not an expert. A nugget from my recent readings is that a minimum of 3'x3' is needed for an effective pile. Apparently when composting in a container (vs a freestanding pile) "volume" is a factor right along with brown/green ratios in getting the temperatures high enough to "cook" the compost. On the other hand, us gardeners seem to "break rules" and manage results on a regular basis. So just consider this comment food for thought until someone more knowledgeable and with more experience comes along.

~Sharon

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Jul 09, 2009

The coolers would be a good size for vermicomposting. The worms are in a container that damp newspaper, banana peels, and other stuff, and you get great compost. I don't vermicompost myself, but there are websites that can give you explicit instructions.

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Deebie Orangeburg, SC Jul 09, 2009

I haven't tried it yet, but I read that the big deal with using trash cans is that you can roll it around to mix the contents. Just a penny for my thoughts.

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DaliaR Miami, FL Jul 10, 2009

Thanks to everyone that responded. I'll consider all the advice.
Dalia

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