Everyone who has their own farm in the form of a summer cottage, garden or vegetable garden needs fertilizers for the soil. To prepare them, you can use a compost bin. Composting means breaking down organic materials and turning them into plant nutrients. This is why composters are purchased.

What is a composter and what is it for

A composter is a special container with a certain volume that allows you to store biodegradable material.

Composters for summer cottages must have the following mandatory elements:

  • cover - necessary for filling the components into the composting container;
  • holes - promote the flow of oxygen, which is needed to accelerate the decomposition process;
  • Fluid collection tank - collects composting fluid so it can be easily removed from the mix.

You can make your own fertilizer box, but the models sold in stores look more aesthetically pleasing and will fit wherever they are placed. The most commonly found plastic composter. However, if you make a container from improvised means, then a tree will also do. There is also a galvanized composter made of metal. This design perfectly keeps moisture, which is an integral element during the fermentation process.

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Benefits of using a composter

A garden composter is very important for those who have their own land and grow any crops on it. By purchasing such a device, a person can not only save on the purchase of mineral fertilizers, but also create them with comfort, without unnecessary inconvenience. It is worth highlighting the following advantages:

  • compactness;
  • lack of unpleasant odors due to the organic fermentation process;
  • solid construction and quality material;
  • ease of use;
  • acceptable appearance.

Types of composter

DIY honey extractor

There are 2 types of composters in total. It's about open and closed. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. An open composter is suitable for warm weather. It is also cheaper than the closure type. In addition, the open design is easy to assemble and operate. However, if we talk about the disadvantages, then it is worth mentioning the spread of an unpleasant odor and a slowdown in the fermentation process.

Closed composters are even more convenient. They are not very large, but it all depends on the chosen volume. Most often there are models with a volume of 200 to 1000 liters. These designs are suitable for composting all year round. In addition, they can camouflage themselves well among vegetation and not emit any odors. The decomposition rate in them is higher than in the case of an open structure. As for the shortcomings, there is only one - high cost.

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There are containers such as crates, thermo-composters and vermicomposters.

Box

The simplest model, which is most often found in volumes of 600 and 800 liters. The structure is assembled and transported from place to place without any problems. There is a lid on top to cover the poured mixture.

Thermocomposter

This is a design that looks more like a large thermos. It keeps warm and moisture perfectly. Thus, this model can be used in low temperature environments. Thermocomposters have excellent ergonomics and ease of use.

Vermicomposter

This is the container in which the fermentation process is provided by earthworms. Tray designs are mainly used. After filling the container with waste, worms are added there. The advantage is the presence of several levels. After processing the material in the first tray, another one is installed on top. This continues until the entire space is filled.

Vermicomposter

Top manufacturers

There are 6 great composting container brands to consider.

Composter "Volnusha"

Hornet trap

Russian-made design. The Volnushka composter has a round shape, but the diameter of the upper circle is 1 m, while the diameter of the lower one is 1.2 m. The height of the tank is 1.07 m. The material is polypropylene. The wall thickness of the container is 3 mm. Also worth noting is the lid movement option. It can be moved to the side, making it easier to load the components into the container. The volume of the tank is 1000 liters. There are holes for aeration of the mixture. In addition, there are four holes for collecting compost.

Note! All of the composting liquid will go into the ground as the drum has no bottom.

Composter "Obi"

This manufacturer produces containers for 300, 600 and 800 liters. The constructions are equipped with a cover. Through them, you can fill in plant and food waste. The presence of several holes allows the compost to be removed from different sides. The container is made of plastic. Will look great in the garden or in the country.

Composter "Biolan"

Biolan offers many different options, but the most popular is Biolan composter 220 eco. The container is very easy to use. The top cover is large. Thus, it is very easy to put biodegradable waste into the tank. There is a large layer of thermal insulation, which has a strong effect and accelerates the fermentation process. That is why Biolan composter 220 eco is used all year round.

Note! There is also a ventilation system that allows the owner not to mix the compost. A thermometer on the body gives information about the temperature inside.

Composter "Meridian"

The most common model is with a volume of 310 liters. The body has the shape of a sphere with a bottom made in the form of a cut cone. Construction weight - 14 kg. Polyethylene was used as a material. Foamed polypropylene was used to contain the heat inside the tank.

Important! The composter can be used even in winter, but the fermentation rate will decrease slightly.

Among the features, one can single out a significant rate of waste recycling, the strength and durability of the structure, ease of use and environmental friendliness.

Composter "Master Garden"

The manufacturer produces square containers in three versions - with volumes of 600, 800 and 1200 liters. The design is made in the form of moving plates made of plastic, which does not react with compost components. The material is frost resistant and can keep warm at very low temperatures. There is an excellent ventilation system that accelerates the maturation of the compost. The metal "Master Garden" is impossible to find.

Composter Graf

He's the Thermo King composter. Square container with two openings for access to biomaterial. A secure cover is installed on top that does not open even in strong winds. The material is plastic, which protects the internal environment from ultraviolet rays. The expanded polypropylene keeps you warm. It has a green color, so it will fit perfectly into the garden or country landscape and will not stand out much.

There are also manufacturers such as Garden dream and Prosperplast. These options are also worth considering.

Composter Graf

How to choose a composter?

First of all, you need to decide on the volume.If you have a plot of 6 acres, you can completely get by with a 200- or 300-liter structure. However, if there is a large area that needs to be fertilized, then models with a large volume should be chosen.

Garden sprinkler

You should also immediately decide at what time the composting will be carried out. There are models that can be customized depending on the season. A prerequisite is the presence of a special mesh at the bottom of the container. It will protect the compost from rodents.

It is best if the device has large hatches, since then it will be convenient to fill the material or stir it for better aeration. An excellent option would be a box with pull-out trays.

Important! Before purchasing, you should carefully check the reliability of the cover. She shouldn't dangle.

Operating rules: care and storage of the composter

The following requirements should be highlighted here:

  • you must not overload the container, therefore, when loading material, you need to pay attention to the marks;
  • open-bottom structures must be installed on grass or ground so that the compost liquid goes down and the worms have access to the mixture;
  • it is best to install the box in a shaded area of ​​a summer cottage or garden, where it will perform all its functions;
  • the bottom of the container should be fenced with a net to protect it from rodents;
  • if the structure is not intended for winter use, then you can wrap it with a film to store heat;
  • mix the contents no more than twice a month.

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How to assemble a composter with your own hands?

Making your own box requires old tools. You can use boards and other building materials such as WPC. The best option would be to create a square container with dimensions of 1 × 1 × 1 m.

Usually the device is made multi-section. Thus, you can increase the productivity of creating a fertilizer mixture. The walls of the container are made of fine mesh. It will provide oxygen supply and speed up the reaction.

Wooden beams and boards should be 5 and 2.5 cm thick, respectively. All material is preliminarily processed to exclude the process of wood decay. 4 beams are inserted into the ground. Boards are attached to them to create walls. There should be a 2 cm gap between the boards. A fine mesh is installed there. You can make a cover from above by drilling holes for hinges in the boards. The result is a ready-made design of our own production.

The composter is an indispensable device for people who have their own land. Thanks to it, you can increase yields and get a natural product without artificial fertilizers.