Soilsaver Composter - A Good Low Cost Compost Bin

A couple of things many gardeners would like to do is to keep the compost pile from becoming too unsightly, and also to speed up the process of composting, which not only keeps the size of the pile down, but makes that much more compost available. There are a wide range of composters available, from the high end compost tumblers to a number of low cost compost bins. Here's a look at one of our favorites the Soilsaver compost bin.


What to Look For in a Low Cost Compost Bin

First, it needs to be the right size for your yard, but it still needs to be big enough to get the compost pile to heat up. At 28" by 28" by 32" tall the Soilsaver composter is a good size.

It has vented side wall which help with moisture retention. Compost works best when the mix is about as moist as a washcloth, and the Soilsaver composter also has a lid that can help to either keep moisture in or to keep excess moisture out during the rainy season.

One key feature that is missing on many low cost composters like the Earth Machine composter is a bottom floor. In many areas this will help keep the local pests from burrowing into the compost bin, and is the one feature that you will want to have on a low cost composter.

Probably the biggest problem with Soilsaver compost bin is when it comes time to turn the pile, doing so by unloading through the top door is somewhat inconvenient. This may not be a problem if you don't care to turn the pile, but your compost will take longer to "cook." One easy alternative is to simply pull the compost bin up and off, and just move the whole pile, or a compost turning tool is a great alternative as well.

Some folks have problems with the lid not seating properly, but this generally seems to be the case primarily when the bottom is not seated on level ground, so when setting this up it's good to be sure to level it well. This can be done by placing a piece of plywood or forming a foundation with with bricks and paving sand.