I have a 15-gallon cut barrel that I'm using for food scraps, weeds, cuttings, and old waste. It's got holes in the bottom for worms to access it. Once it's full, I plan to let it break down and then use it in my garden bed. I'm curious about whether I should cover it to protect it from rain or if it's better to let it stay open and get some rainfall. What do you think?
3 Answers
I leave my compost bin uncovered, and honestly, I think water is essential for it to break down effectively. The moisture really helps all those beneficial microbes thrive and do their job. Without it, the soil won't be as healthy!
It really depends on your climate! If you live somewhere hot and dry, covering it could help retain moisture. But if your area is cold and wet, I'd say keep it covered to make sure it doesn’t go anaerobic, especially since a 15-gallon bin is on the smaller side for effective composting.
I cover mine because I find that the moisture created from the food and grass adds up quickly. And since I live in a wet area, covering it helps prevent any bad smells and keeps critters away.
For sure! If you let the worms and bugs help out, you’ll just get rich worm castings in no time.