Poll Question
We need a simple solution to (i) sift compost, (ii) separate large chunks that are should go back in the composter, AND (iii) spread compost.
I found two options (videos below). Which do you like?
Option 1: Rotating Trommel
materials:
- bike parts
- mesh
- wood frame
- used belt
Collect the sifted compost below. Collect the large chunks at the end. Haul the sifted compost to location for spreading. I wonder if there’s a way to make it human powered (e.g. hand crank or bicycle gears)?
Option 2: Spreader
materials:
- bike parts
- mesh
- wheels
- frame that can be pulled
- used golf balls
Put the compost in. Pull the spreader. It sifts when it spreads. Modify the wheels so that the bin doesn’t rotate.
oh i think the first ones is great lol, but if you want to go with the second one, maybe we could hook up the kids somehow???? : D
Kids and not kids alike, everyone can have fun =)
<o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng /> </o:officedocumentsettings> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:view> <w:zoom>0</w:zoom> <w:trackmoves /> <w:trackformatting /> <w:punctuationkerning /> <w:validateagainstschemas /> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:saveifxmlinvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:ignoremixedcontent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext> <w:donotpromoteqf /> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:lidthemeother> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:lidthemeasian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:lidthemecomplexscript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables /> <w:snaptogridincell /> <w:wraptextwithpunct /> <w:useasianbreakrules /> <w:dontgrowautofit /> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark /> <w:enableopentypekerning /> <w:dontflipmirrorindents /> <w:overridetablestylehps /> <w:usefelayout /> </w:compatibility> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont /> <m:brkbin /> <m:brkbinsub /> <m:smallfrac /> <m:dispdef /> <m:lmargin /> <m:rmargin /> <m:defjc /> <m:wrapindent /> <m:intlim /> <m:narylim /> </m:mathpr></w:worddocument> <w:latentstyles> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> <w:lsdexception /> </w:latentstyles> Gardening Friends,<o:p></o:p>About composting methods: Both are interesting and within our technological capability. No one system will cover all our needs.However, I am leaning towards the green Mega roller, the second one.The Mega roller can be used to make compost, not just spread it. We would need several rollers. If we mount the drum(s) on a set of rails, or track, it is much easier to “turn” the compost by rolling it along its track. Then when it is ready, you hook it up and spread it. This cuts down on shovel work. Once the organic material is in the drum, you don’t have to handle it nearly as much. Over tumbling can create clumps, especially with clay soils.The rails need only be as long as the circumference of the drum. The track itself can be made from posts, wood 4×4, or even a split log.Should we think about bringing table scraps from home to speed up the composting and add more volume? Most of this home-based kitchen waste is already from organic material. Some of us live in apartments and can’t compost it or recycle it.There are a few potential problems. How can we be sure that the waste is all compostable matter? I compost darn near everything from eggshells to clam shells. Can we agree on what goes in? Must it all be from organic vegetable scraps? Is it worth the effort? Just a thought! <o:p></o:p>Morris