Compost Turning Tools - There are a number of tools that can be used to turn your compost pile. Two of the most common tools used for turning compost are the compost aerator and compost fork. The compost aerator is often called a compost turning tool and resembles a rod with winglike appendages at the bottom. When this tool gets plunged into the compost pile, the movement of the plunge and wings will turn the compost and at the same time aerate it. There needs to be proper aeration through the pile in order for it to compost properly.
A compost fork is very similar to a pitchfork. It will allow you to pick up, turn, mix, and aerate the compost pile. Your best bet is to use a five- or six-tine, long-handled hay fork instead of the four-tine short-handled digging fork. This will allow you to move more per scoop without too much resistance from the compost pile. This tool can also be classified as a
compost turner as some would prefer to call it. You want to save the digging fork for working the compost into your gardens.
Wheelbarrow - A good sturdy wheelbarrow will last for many years and is great for carrying compost and sifting into. A steel wheelbarrow is heavy duty, but you do not need to worry about rusting with a plastic barrow. Make sure the tires have a valve for pumping in air and you also want to keep a steel wheelbarrow dry and stored away after using to help prevent rusting.
Leaf Collection Tools - Leaf scoops are tools that pick up large amounts of leaves in one swift movement. There are electric leaf shredders that can shred the leaves and will place them in a bag. Using a shredder will create smaller pieces of leaves to help break down the compost. Bio bags are great bags for placing the leaves and you can toss the entire bag into the compost pile. These bio bags are completely biodegradable and can also be used for grass clippings and organic scraps.
Compost Starter - A compost starter is a natural substance that will activate a compost pile and solid organic waste. It aids in the startup time of decomposition and helps the digestion of organic waste. Compost starter is available in a small container and it takes just a few ounces mixed with water and spread evenly over the pile to be composted. It will treat roughly one thousand pounds of waste.
Compost Sifters or Screens - These are valuable additions to any garden collection for sifting topsoil to remove any grit, and a great aid for sifting your compost. Now your compost is ready but it is lumpy and you want a finer grain, this is when your sifter comes in handy. Compost will not flow as nice as gravel or grain and it has a tendency to clog the sifter or screen when it is still wet. It is best to allow the compost to dry before sending it through the sifter. A compost sifter is usually easy to clean and can also be used to separate debris from any type of soil.
Compost Thermometers. - Temperature plays a very important part in having a successful compost pile and having a compost thermometer is a real necessity. The progression of your compost pile depends on how hot or cold the pile gets. A compost thermometer tells you how hot, active, or steady your compost pile is. This keeps you aware of how your pile is performing, and will answer any questions you may have that are related to moisture and composition time. The use of a compost thermometer guarantees that your compost pile is always at the perfect temperature to break down any and all of the
organic material.
These are just some of the
compost tools that will help you attain a successful compost pile for your garden and lawn. There are others that also come in very handy such as water hoses, sprayers, shovels, and other
compost tools for mixing and turning.
