tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6040778349811774938.post7788514120587238775..comments2023-03-28T01:27:18.332-07:00Comments on Digital Compost: Composting for BeginnersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6040778349811774938.post-64914146205896100842009-03-12T15:53:43.391-07:002009-03-12T15:53:43.391-07:00I am interested in started a hot compost pile. Ca...I am interested in started a hot compost pile. Can you gradually add scraps to a pile? or does it have to be all at once.<br><br>Also, can metal 50 gallon drums be used? If not, what are some suggestions you have for the bins? I don't want to buy a commercial compost bin if I don't have to. But, I have noticed many of them have vent holes on them.<br><br>Thanks so much,<br>JenniferJennWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08230443447828134277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6040778349811774938.post-67626917816004747682009-03-15T13:48:44.137-07:002009-03-15T13:48:44.137-07:00Hi Jenn,Thanks for your comment. I don't get m...Hi Jenn,<br><br>Thanks for your comment. I don't get many, so I apologize for this delay in seeing that you had posted it.<br><br>If you want to make hot compost, you'll need to have enough materials to start all at once. If you have food scraps from your typical daily meals, it won't be enough to get a pile hot. It would probably take a restaurant to provide enough scraps all at once.<br><br>For a typical family's scraps, I suggest cold composting or a cone composter <a href="http://www.rainbarrelsource.com/compost-bins/compost-bins/solarconegreenconesolardigestersystem.cfm" rel="nofollow">similar to this one</a>. Some cities (like Seattle) often sell these subsidized for around $40.<br><br>I would not recommend a 50-gallon drum for any kind of composting. Compost needs oxygen, and those drums won't allow enough circulation. Compost is turned to introduce more air, but turning the contents of a drum regularly will be very difficult. As you noted, many commercial bins also lack enough air circulation.<br><br>I searched my articles for a good one on constructing a bin, but couldn't find anything all in one place. Sounds like I need to write a post about picking the right bin!<br><br><br>Thanks again,<br><br>BrianBriannoreply@blogger.com