edible garden
COMPOSTER’S WISH LIST
Local experts recommend these helpful tools.
COMPIILED BY SUSIE SUTPHIN
Scrap Happy
Collect compostables without the mess and smell by storing food scraps in your freezer. Simply hang the wire rim over a drawer, scoop your scraps into the bin, and pop it in the freezer. When Scrap Happy is full empty into an outdoor composter. Doing your part for the planet was never this low maintenance. www.Fullcirclehome.com, $14.99
Aerating Tool
When it comes time to turn your compost let the dual-wing action of the Bosmere Compost Aerator do the work. It has two sets of activating wings that fold to push into the compost and open to aerate. The tool is made out of non-rust steel with a vinyl handgrip. Handle can be adjusted for left- or right-handed use. 36 inches long and weighs 3 pounds. www.Bosmere.com $24.85
Indoor System
NatureMill is an all-in-one, indoor composting system taking food waste from collection to garden-ready compost. Add food at any time to the upper chamber. Heat, mixing, and oxygen help the natural cultures break down the food within days — before odors develop. Push a button to transfer to the tray below and it will continue to compost there for another week, while you fill the upper chamber again. It fits inside most cabinets and holds 4 gallons. No worms or bugs required. www.Naturemill.com, $199 to $399
Worm Action
Can-O-Worms is an odorless, user-friendly vermicomposter. Stacked ring-upon-ring, each working tray can house thousands of worms for composting year-round. Worms eat their way up, leaving their rich castings in the lower trays where they easily can be removed, free of worms. Stands on five sturdy legs and is 26 inches tall by 20 inches wide. Made of durable, 100 percent recycled plastic. Composting red worms not included. www.Snowjoe.com, $99.99
Outdoor bin
The Earthmaker’s three-chamber system allows for easy separation of new and old compost materials. Leaves and kitchen waste go in the top bin. The waste then is moved down to the second chamber after it has been given time to break down. The material then can travel to the final and third level before it’s ready to use. Gaiam announced the Earthmaker as the 2010 winner in its year-long “compost-off.” 123-gallon capacity, stands 47 inches high. www.Exaco.com, $229 to $249
Starter Kit
Kick start, or re-start, your compost pile with Kellogg Garden Products’ organic Compost Starter. It will supply the beneficial bacteria needed to heat up any compost pile. People and pet safe. Available in 2.5 dry quarts. www.Kellogggarden.com, $5.99
These and other composting products are available at a nursery near you, including:
Flower Tree Nursery
2975 Reno Hwy., Fallon, 775-423-1113, www.Flowertreenursery.com
Garden Shop Nursery
3636 Mayberry Drive, Reno, 775-825-3527, www.Gardenshopnursery.com
Old Stone House Gift & Garden
3397 Pyramid Way, Sparks, 775-358-1700, find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Stone-House-Gift-and-Garden/201298643234348
Rail City Garden Center
1720 Brierley Way, Sparks, 775-355-1551, www.Railcitygardencenter.com
The Villager Nursery
10678 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
