iCompost tested — make your own compost in hours

[Chris.Geerdts]

This article is the digital form of those TV buying channels - except it pretends to be a news channel

But that's not all, buy 2 and well cut the cost AND throw in some activator for free

 

[RonSwanson]

Had a 12m x 3m and 2m deep concrete compost bin for over 30 years. Gardener turns it over regularly. We supply all the neighbours with free compost

Last time he dug it out, there were 55 bags and it was still 1/3 full. Its mainly oak tree leaves from 3 enormous trees. Also add food waste

About a year ago we found some rats in there. However, we now have 2 dachshunds and they are very efficient rat catchers as they work together. Any rat does not stand a chance. They grab it and pull it apart in seconds

I use a 240 litre wheelie bin with a few ventilation holes drilled as a composter. Rats attacked it, trying to get in. I have a zero-tolerance policy regarding freeloaders on my property, so I ambushed them with a 12 gauge loaded with #4 Buckshot (unfortunately all that I had at the time) and night vision. In the aftermath, all that I could find left over was half a rat's tail (and some new ventilation holes drilled into the bin).

 

[noxibox]

Sounds like just more added chemicals n **** that I'm working hard at removing from my diet... for 6.5k, I think I'll stick with my natural 'watch it all rot' way for now

If it is normal activator then it's just bacteria. It can help get a compost heap going faster.

 

[hj007]

This is for people that dont have enough space for compost (townhouse gardens) or hate rats.
But at that price point, just buy compost...

 

[nulkoel]

I guess it is good for apartments? I used to think bokashi is a good solution for limited space, but that comes with some smelly challenges if you empty it into your compost heap and live close to others.

 

[Tonsilolith]

I guess it is good for apartments? I used to think bokashi is a good solution for limited space, but that comes with some smelly challenges if you empty it into your compost heap and live close to others.

But why would you need compost in an apartment?

Ah wait

 

[FiestaST]

R1k saving with the 2x combo as opposed to buying 2 solo units.

 

[Geoff.D]

I use a 240 litre wheelie bin with a few ventilation holes drilled as a composter. Rats attacked it, trying to get in. I have a zero-tolerance policy regarding freeloaders on my property, so I ambushed them with a 12 gauge loaded with #4 Buckshot (unfortunately all that I had at the time) and night vision. In the aftermath, all that I could find left over was half a rat's tail (and some new ventilation holes drilled into the bin).

Spot on! Found an old "asdrom" in my mom's yard, shoved away in a corner. A relic from the past when coal stoves were the only source of heat and cooking in most homes. Turned it into my own composter. A few holes in the bottom, a large plastic cat box to catch the "the worm-pee" and away you go.

Granted I add a bit of agricultural lime and 2-3-2 (when and if I remember). Wanted to speed the process up recently. ( Triggered by a Stodels "free gift", a bottle of compost accelerator).

No smell, great worm pee and brilliant compost. Takes about 6-8 months but so what - The kitchen waste ain't going anywhere and I have no illusions about the time.

Don't have the space for the more traditional 3 x 3 x 3 concrete bin.

 

[PsyWulf]

Yeah nah,this is a convertorial

Take it off!

RBP the OP

 

[RonSwanson]

Spot on! Found an old "asdrom" in my mom's yard, shoved away in a corner. A relic from the past when coal stoves were the only source of heat and cooking in most homes. Turned it into my own composter. A few holes in the bottom, a large plastic cat box to catch the "the worm-pee" and away you go.

Granted I add a bit of agricultural lime and 2-3-2 (when and if I remember). Wanted to speed the process up recently. ( Triggered by a Stodels "free gift", a bottle of compost accelerator).

No smell, great worm pee and brilliant compost. Takes about 6-8 months but so what - The kitchen waste ain't going anywhere and I have no illusions about the time.

Don't have the space for the more traditional 3 x 3 x concrete bin.

Lime is good. I have some 5:1:3 which I use during the winter when there isn't green grass clippings, and I also try to keep it moist. I don't have any worms, except for maggots and scarab beetle larvae.

 

[Geoff.D]

As to all these useless gadgets on the shelf - I guess this is what some believe is the 4IR! The age of production of pointless useless gadgets from damn phones to compost makers.

OT but it seems related -- anyone want to comment on how useful a bread maker is? We have been offered one that someone no longer wants. I am not sure at all about how well they work.

 

[bwana]

R6.5k. Normal for i~products. Have you seen the price of an iphone? But I did not think Apple will enter this type of maket.

 

[Gravedigger]

When I saw the appliance/article, my bs meter went way past 100... I have a tendency to smell a snake in the grass with these types of products... Anyone remembers Juicero? Shem, creating DRM for their "juices", that anyone just could buy and squeeze with their hands.

Thunderf00t is a smart guy, smelling out all the stinky details out these types of products.

 

[Petec]

Lime is good. I have some 5:1:3 which I use during the winter when there isn't green grass clippings, and I also try to keep it moist. I don't have any worms, except for maggots and scarab beetle larvae.

You said "Moist"

 

[RonSwanson]

As to all these useless gadgets on the shelf - I guess this is what some believe is the 4IR! The age of production of pointless useless gadgets from damn phones to compost makers.

OT but it seems related -- anyone want to comment on how useful a bread maker is? We have been offered one that someone no longer wants. I am not sure at all about how well they work.

Breadmaker is good value, I have a Mellerware Ma-baker and it has served me well for many years. Purists in my family do not agree, many love the "feel" of kneading their own dough, watching it proof, kneading again etc. Yet for convenience it cannot be beaten, you can wake up in the morning to the smell of freshly baked bread without lifting a finger. Only fried bacon smells better!

 

[bwana]

Breadmaker is good value, I have a Mellerware Ma-baker and it has served me well for many years. Purists in my family do not agree, many love the "feel" of kneading their own dough, watching it proof, kneading again etc. Yet for convenience it cannot be beaten, you can wake up in the morning to the smell of freshly baked bread without lifting a finger. Only fried bacon smells better!

lol - I regularly use my bread machine to only prepare the dough. It's much easier that way.

 

[RonSwanson]

You said "Moist"

Yep. Water is life, and the bacteria that breaks down the plant matter is living, and needs it.

 

[RonSwanson]

lol - I regularly use my bread machine to only prepare the dough. It's much easier that way.

Yep, I do that when I make rolls, or when I don't feel like finding a kneading paddle up the bread's butt. I then use cast-iron or a traditional bread pan in the oven.

 

[bensym]

I was given one and used it 5 times. It makes a weird odour, takes forever, 3 out of the five times the grinder got stuck, produced a literal handful of compost.

Nice idea but sheesh, for all the expense and electricity it uses and the tiny amount of compost produced I think the sun and worms are a far better choice.

 

[hj007]

I was given one and used it 5 times. It makes a weird odour, takes forever, 3 out of the five times the grinder got stuck, produced a literal handful of compost.

Nice idea but sheesh, for all the expense and electricity it uses and the tiny amount of compost produced I think the sun and worms are a far better choice.

I read this as if you were talking about a breadmaker and was so confused ☺️