Composting on Concrete
Can you make compost on concrete? The answer is Yes!
Although there are some limitations. To successfully compost on concrete, you will need to create an appropriate environment that allows for adequate airflow and insulation of the organic materials in order to produce organic matter that can be used as a soil amendment. Luckily, this can easily be achieved with the right tools and equipment so you will be able to have a successful composting experience even when space is limited.
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Comparing composting with earth vs concrete
When it comes to composting, the ground is always a better option than concrete. This is because composting on soil versus concrete offers distinct advantages including better aeration of the compost pile, more nutrients for the soil, and improve water absorption. Here are a few differences that we noticed while composting on ground and concrete
Micro-Organisms
Microorganisms play an essential role in the process of composting. They help to break down organic matter into humus more quickly. However, if you are composting on a hard surface such as concrete, the number of microorganisms present will be significantly less than it is when composting in the ground.
Worms
Worms are great for the composting process! They help to break down the organic material in your compost heap which are ideal for plants. Worms are multi-taskers, and can thrive on both hot or cold compost heaps even at an early stage!
When you’re composting on concrete it’s very hard for worms to migrate into the compost, which will make the composting process more time-consuming. To get worms into a compost bin, start your compost on the ground rather than concrete. This makes it easier for worms to migrate over, and they will soon be populating the decomposition process.
We have a complete blog which discusses worms in details : Importance of Worms in the Compost. If you are interested in knowing more about worms, you can read it.
Leaking Compost Heaps
If the thought of a messy and unkempt compost pile causes you to shutter, it is important to select an organized system. Compost heaps, if not adequately maintained, have the potential to spill and spread residue which could discolour concrete or leave unwanted strands around the area. Choosing an efficient composting system can give one piece of mind knowing their outward appearance will remain clean and tidy.
How to compost on concrete: Overcoming the limitations
There are plenty of systems available that you don’t even need to put in your yard – you can set up a compost bin in any area, including on concrete. While there are some tips and tricks to making it successful, it isn’t essential to know them – however, they can go a long way towards improving the effectiveness of your compost.
Add soil to your compost
Introducing soil into your compost bin is a great way to help speed up the process of rot. You can do this by laying a layer of soil at the bottom of the bin or mixing it in with the compost itself. It’s important to be mindful when adding soil, though, as you don’t want to add too much; you’re trying to create houmous for your soil, not just soil itself!
Add grass to your compost
Onion leaves and chopped green chives are isolated on white background. Vector realistic set of 3d fresh verdure bunch and the pile of cut pieces of green garlic or scallion
When composting grass can be a great addition! This is because the grass heats up quickly and itself is high in nitrogen, which can cause it to compost too quickly. To balance this out and avoid a layer of ash at the bottom of your pile, adding soil helps introduce more microorganisms as well as additional brown (high carbon) sources like shredded paper or straw.
Add old compost to your compost
Want to get a head start on your composting journey? An easy way to do that is by adding some of the compost from an old heap into your new pile. All you need is either an existing mature heap nearby, or just a pinch from a kind neighbour or allotment pal. This will come with plenty of beneficial bacteria already present, making it easier for them to break down your new compost quickly!
Adding worms
Worms are an essential part of successful composting! Their actions break down organic material and add necessary nutrients to the soil. But while composting on concrete, there are chances that you have no worms in it.
You can always choose to manually add worms to start the process right away. Or, if that isn’t an option, you can easily order some worms to be delivered right to your door so they can get right to work on breaking down the organic matter in your compost heap.
Build a raised bed
With a raised bed, you can easily build a compost bin that is set atop soil rather than concrete. This will give the liquid that runs out of the compost to help enrich the surrounding soil. Palettes can also be repurposed and lined with plastic on the bottom before being placed onto concrete for greater longevity and to prevent leaking into the ground.
4 Different Compost Systems for Composting on Concrete Pavements
If you are looking for composting options for a concrete surface, then a closed system may be the best choice to avoid mess. Closed systems such as raised beds or enclosed compost bins will work well on concrete and provide an efficient way of composting. Consider these options when deciding which type of compost bin or raised bed is right for you!
Brick Compost Heap
Building a brick compost heap can be an attractive, insulated option for your composting needs. However, it requires more work to build, as well as regular turning to ensure optimal air access. Additionally, they cannot easily be moved or removed at a later date.
Compost Bin Tumbler
Compost Bin Tumblers provide a more efficient and sealed way to compost than traditional bins, but require regular turning to ensure maximum decomposition. The bin needs to be removed from the tumbler in order for the process to finish off successfully.
Hot bin composter
A hot bin composter is an enclosed composting system that produces compost in a much shorter timeline compared to other methods. This type of composting utilizes high temperatures, moisture and airflow to accelerate the decomposition of organic materials.
Dalek Bin
For those looking for an efficient composting system, the Dalek Compost Bin may be the answer. It is essentially a large, sealed plastic bin with a port on one side that allows users to access their compost when it’s ready. While there might still be some mess involved when removing the finished product, the quick-working closed system makes this option ideal for those who are eco-conscious.
Read this article to know more about Dalek Bin for Composting if you wanna know about Dalek Bins.
Modern Composting Option
Electric Compost Bin
You may not have heard the term before. Nowadays, electric compost bins are available in the market which takes your organic kitchen waste and provides you with compost for your home garden. The automated cycle inside takes between 3-5 hours; the amount of time will depend on how much you put in and how wet it is. At the end of the cycle, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost for your garden! For more information check Rewaso Electric Composter for homes.
