Compost tools are sometimes needed for the gardener now that composting has become very popular. Getting your hands on the proper compost tools so as to manage your own organic material will lessen the waste that we send to our landfills and give your landscaping and gardens the benefit of organic compost.
Compost pails are handy little containers for collecting kitchen scraps. These containers are generally small pails that are made of ceramic or chrome that can sit on a counter top and will hold about a gallon of vegetable and fruit scraps. These are air tight with a carbon filter that will eliminate any odors. These handy compost containers will hold several days' worth of scraps before taking that trip to the compost pile.
There are several compost turning tools that can be used for turning your compost pile. Two of the most popular tools used are the compost fork and the compost aerator. The aerator is very often called a compost turning tool and bears a resemblance to a rod that has wing-like appendages located on the bottom. When you plunge this tool into the compost pile, the plunging motion and the wings will turn and aerate the pile simultaneously. In order for the pile to compost properly there needs to be adequate aeration throughout. ?
The compost fork is quite similar to the pitchfork. It allows you to pick up, mix, turn, and aerate the pile. A five or six prong hay-fork with a long handle is probably better than a four prong digging fork that has a short handle. This allows moving more compost per scoop without very much resistance. The short handle digging fork is best used when adding the compost to your garden. ?
You want a sturdy wheelbarrow that will last you for many years.? The steel wheelbarrow is sturdy and heavy-duty but it will rust if left outdoors. This wheelbarrow needs to be kept dry and stored away after each use to prevent rusting. A heavy-duty plastic barrow might be a better choice. With either wheelbarrow you need to be sure the tires have a valve so you can pump in air and they are both great for carrying the compost where you need it.
Leaf collection tools are actually leaf scoops that are used to pick up huge amounts of leaves in one quick swipe. There are also electric leaf shredders for shredding and placing the leaves into a bag. A shredder creates smaller pieces which helps the compost break down. Bio bags are bags for the leaves that can be thrown in its entirety into the compost. The bags are biodegradable and can be used for organic scraps or grass clippings.
Compost starter is a very natural substance that activates your compost pile. It helps with the decomposition startup time and the digestion of organic waste. The compost starter is usually available in small containers and takes only a few ounces that are mixed with water to be spread evenly on top of the compost pile. This mixture can treat approximately 1,000 pounds of waste.
Compost sifters or screens are valuable additions to any garden collection of tools for sifting topsoil to rid out the grit and for sifting compost. For example, your compost is ready but it seems to be lumpy and you wanted a finer grain; this is when you want to use a sifter. Compost does not flow as easy as grain or gravel and it will generally clog the sifter when it is wet. It is better to allow the compost to dry out before trying to sift it. Generally speaking the compost sifter is easy to clean and you also can use it to separate debris from any soil.
Compost thermometers are handy and necessary tools for a successful compost pile. The progress of a compost pile depends on how hot or cold a pile gets. The compost thermometer will tell you how active, hot, or steady a compost pile is. This way you will be aware of how well your pile is performing, and will help to answer any questions you have relating to the moisture and composition time. Using a compost thermometer will guarantee the compost pile is at the perfect temperature for breaking down all the organic material.
These are just some compost tools that will help to attain a successful compost pile. There are others such as sprayers, shovels, and water hoses that come in handy for composting along with regular gardening.
Barbara has done recent research on compost tools and found some to be very handy. Visit her website Gardeners Garden Supplies for more interesting gardening ideas.
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