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Gardening Tools |
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Garden Composter
Studio : Gaiam
by Gaiam
Brand : Gaiam
Publisher : Gaiam
Material Type : plastic
Availability : Usually ships in 3-4 business days
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 7 reviews)
Our Price : $70.00
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Constructed from 100% recycled UV-resistant polyethylene
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Easy access lid, adjustable air vents and sliding bottom exit door
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No tools are required for assembly
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Composting and users guide included
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Dimensions: 23"W x 23"L x 40"H
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Product Description |
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Constructed from 100% recycled UV-resistant polyethylene, this composter is a convenient garden accessory. Its design makes it one of the most efficiet composters for kitchen and yard waste. The easy access lid, adjustable air vents and sliding bottom exit door make it easy to use. No tools are required for assembly - the panels snap together. Composting and users guide included. Overall Dimensions: 23"W x 23"L x 40"H and weighs about 28 pounds. |
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My Experience So Far |
The composter I purchased from Gaiam arrived incomplete; in fact it was missing several pieces. I contacted the manufacturer of this unit and no one returned my call. I followed Gaiam's return intructions, which were fairly clear and which also cost me $35 FedEx to return. I have not received an exchange unit yet (which is what I requested).
I did receive an email from Gaiam explaining that they received the composter in return and that a new one would be coming to me in December. Apparently they are out of them at this time (11/13/2008).
I will update when this matter resolves.
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Animal problems |
It was quick and easy to assemble. But it's rather slow to compost materials (and, I'll be honest, I don't rotate it much - it's a nuisance to do it). But the big problem is that small animals either knock off the top, or chew holes through the part where you can take the compost out. And they create quite a mess in our yard. Next time, I'll get an "off the ground" version, and perhaps a tumbler that I can turn with a handle.
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Best composter so far |
I've used a number of composters over the last 13 years. This is the best so far, and coincidentally, the most inexpensive.
Strengths: fast composting, compared to my tumbling composter and another similar (closed box) design.
Easy to assemble and to add raw vegetation.
Contact with the ground seems to make a big difference, since it attracts earthworms. Also I believe the dark color helps a lot.
Plants near the composter do extraordinarily well.
Weaknesses: lots of work turning it. I find a garden fork works well, the specialized tools work fine but actually require a bit more effort (less time, more physical strength).
This composter has served me extremely well. Unfortunately, like I'm sure happens with all its competitors, time takes its toll on it. The lower pieces warp and degrade. By about year 10 (if in full sun) it needs replacing. I've cannibalized parts from 2 to make one but finally, at year 13, I need another. Which will be my 3rd Garden Gourmet, of 5 composters owned so far, including ones costing more than twice as much.
Regarding the review of the person who couldn't keep the lid open: she has a point. However, for large amounts of materials, I just take the entire top off. It's easy to do and I have to do this anyway to do a better job turning the compost. I'm actually surprised that reviewer hasn't figured this out herself. This top is much easier to remove than the openings of many other composters.
Regarding the person who mentioned occasional flies: just turning the compost should be sufficient. One need not always look for yard waste to cover kitchen scraps.
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Disappointed |
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Quicky delivery of this produce and assembling was easy. Definitely a 4 star on how it fits in my yard. Doesn't take up a lot of room. Disappointed tho in the lid of this composter. It doesn't lock in. The two swinging doors on wach side of the lid have terrible hinges - very flimsy. The big problem? When you go over with your kitchen or yard scraps to dump in, the swinging door doesn't stay up. So you need a free hand to hold it open which can be a real pain if you have a heavy pail full or cumbersome yard scraps. Really not worth $99. |
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Not fast, but Good |
I purchased the Garden Gourmet Compost bin a couple of years ago. It assembled quickly and fit neatly in the corner of my backyard. And I have used it ever since.
At first I was not pleased with my results. This was because I did not follow the instructions. For best results, you have to turn the compost at least once a week. Keep it moist. Mix in any clippings that you add in. That kind of stuff.
Last fall, I packed it solid with garden, yard and kitchen waste. I turned it. Kept it going and this spring I was rewarded with almost a wheelbarrow full of compost, which I used in my garden.
This is not a two week composting system. It takes time and attention for it to work best. But, not a lot of attention. I use a garden claw and a trench shovel to keep things mixed and compost starter to get things going. I've composted, fireplace ashes, shedded paper, garden waste, kitchen waste and lawn clippings. It composts all of it just fine.
This was a good buy on my part. I am very pleased with the results I am now getting. If I had, I would buy it again. It's not fast. But, It's Good. It works. |
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