Want a Career in Horticulture?
HOW TO START A CAREER IN HORTICULTURE
Horticulture is an interesting career for individuals who love to nurture and take care of plants. Horticulturists are responsible for the development and growth of plants on a commercial level. Horticulture can be categorized into these three following areas: Garden Centers, Amenity Horticulture, and Production Horticulture. Garden Centers produce plants for sale to the members of the general public and have moved to sales of garden tools and furniture, sales of protective clothing, etc. On the other hand, Amenity Horticulture entails the planning, designing and maintenance of parks, woodlands, interior landscaping, and areas that require flowers, shrubs, and plants.
Production Horticulture involves the mass production of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants in greenhouses, nurseries, farms with the application of sophisticated strategies.
These are the responsibilities of a professional horticulturist:
- Cultivation of plants, sowing seeds, nurturing cuttings, planting of bulbs, and transfer of seedlings to containers and pots.
- Watering, weeding, pruning of plants.
- Application of pesticides to eliminate the presence of pests and diseases.
- Maintenance of horticultural machinery in excellent condition
- Laying of paths and exhibition of display features like pergolas.
- Provision of retail sales and marketing and guidance tips to clients.
- Maintenance of the working environment to ensure it is hygienic.
- Maintenance of the humidity, light, and temperature at a normal level.
Being a horticulturist has enormous challenges and rewards. The job is also affected by the weather conditions and there is a need to be available at work irrespective of the weather condition. You are expected to work for at least forty hours on a weekly basis. You might be required to work overtime as work requires on some occasions. In some cases, you may be required on weekends. Due to its physically demanding nature, you are required to work under all weather conditions and need to wear protective clothing.
Having a driving license is an added advantage, and the starting salaries range between £10,000 to £15,000 annually.
GETTING STARTED WITH THIS CAREER CHOICE
The Horticulture industry in the United Kingdom is a massive employer of labor as there are more than eighteen million gardens in the United Kingdom. There is an increased demand for skilled horticulturists as there are open positions for horticulture workers in the country. It is on record that more than £20 million is spent on gardening products yearly, and there is a need to fill these vacant positions with experienced horticulturists.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Some employers request for GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3), especially in science subjects, or a BTEC First Diploma in Land-based Industries or Horticulture from applicants. However, most botanical gardens make it compulsory for an applicant to have a qualification in any horticulture course before offering a job.
There are full-time and part-time courses in various colleges in the United Kingdom. These courses are available to provide you with the practical experience and knowledge about theories of horticulture to start your career.
These are the courses you could study to have a career in horticulture:
- City & Guilds National Certificate in Horticulture and Advanced National Certificate in Horticulture.
- BTEC first, national and diploma awards, and higher national certificate/diploma awards in horticulture.
- NVQ’s/SVQ’s in Horticulture and related subjects at Levels 1 to 4.
- General Examination in Horticulture, the RHS Advanced Certificate, and RHS Diploma offered by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
If you want an admission through the National Trust Apprenticeship program, you are required to have four GCSE’s/five S grades (A-C/1-3), including mathematics, English and science, or equivalent qualifications.
These are the qualities of a horticulturist:
- Must not be allergic to pollen-related allergies and strong
- Be ready to work under all weather conditions.
- Have an in-depth understanding of safety and health procedures.
- Have knowledge of the scientific and technical aspects of horticulture.
- Maintain excellent relationships with other team members.
- Have excellent communication skills.
- Be willing to offer customer support and guidance.
- Ability to work without supervision.
How to start a career as an irrigation specialist
HOW TO START A CAREER AS AN IRRIGATION SPECIALIST IN UK
Irrigation specialists are professionals who are responsible for the installation and servicing of irrigation systems. There are no formal educational requirements to becoming irrigation specialists as most professionals began their careers with an entry-level position at a groundskeeping company or a professional gardening outfit. These experts understand how to arrange various types of water systems. However, it is a fantastic idea to be certified with a recognized network like the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
Being certified opens doors to job opportunities in the labor market and makes you more competitive. Having a certificate offers you a competitive edge over other competitors in the labor market. It also demonstrates your commitment to efficient water management and offers instant credibility with your employers and customers.
Attributes of certified irrigation specialists are as follows:
- Understanding of surface irrigation techniques and pressurized systems such as sprinklers.
- Evaluation of crops and determining water availability.
- Understanding of soil-plant-water relationships and the impact of salinity.
- Development of efficient and cost-effective irrigation schedules that aligns with the crop’s water requirement.
University Program Requirements
- At least 1 A Level, or its equivalent, for a foundation degree
- Between 1 and 3 A Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree.
Apprenticeship Program Requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), or its equivalent, including English and Mathematics, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Skills required to be a professional irrigation specialist are as follows:
- Paying attention to detail
- Understanding of the subject matter of Physics.
- Knowledge of computer operating systems hardware and software.
- Possess verbal and excellent communication skills.
- Analytical thinking skills
- Capacity to handle machinery.
How to get a career as a garden maintenance operative
HOW TO START A CAREER AS A GARDEN MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE
Are you considering a career as a garden maintenance operative? This information is what you need to start a career. As a garden maintenance operative, your role is to cultivate and take care of plants in different locations such as sports facilities, plant nurseries, private gardens, and public parks.
Gardening is an integral part of the horticultural industry, and the industry is divided into various segments which are amenity horticulture, garden staff, and production horticulture. It entails the management of open spaces, research, addressing climate change matters among others. Amenity horticulture entails the proper management of historic gardens and other public spaces.
These are the roles of a responsible garden maintenance operative:
- Cutting of grasses and hedges.
- Pruning and digging
- Laying of mulch around the plants.
- Clearing and planting of flower beds.
- Clearing of leaves and litter around the plants.
- Check the health status of the plants and apply pesticides to get rid of pests and diseases around the plants.
- Maintenance of equipment.
- Recycling of waste products in the garden.
- A routine check of the public spaces and parks to ensure visitors are safe.
- Nurturing of plants in indoor areas.
- Basic lawn mowing and hedge trimming
The basic starting salary of a garden maintenance operative is valued at around £12,000 every year. These professionals work for about forty hours a week, and this is determined by the season as well. They work outdoors in every type of weather and sometimes, interact with members of the public especially those that work at public parks and historic centers.
These professionals wear protective clothing when they are at work, and having a driving license is an added advantage. It is not a suitable job for individuals who are allergic to grass and pollen.
GETTING STARTED WITH THIS CAREER CHOICE
Getting started as a garden maintenance operative in the United Kingdom is quite simple. The gardening and horticulture industry employs more than ninety thousand employees in the United Kingdom, and the employers are Local Authorities, Private companies and contractors, Developers, Voluntary sector organizations, Sports clubs, Theme parks, Universities, colleges, and large industrial companies, Plant nurseries, Heritage organizations, and private individuals.
The prospects of working with these employers are higher and you can start your agency as well. If you have skills in landscape maintenance, garden design and contracting, it would be an amazing idea to work independently.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There is no formal qualification required to start but some employers insist on a relevant qualification like City and Guilds in Amenity Horticulture. As a prospective applicant that wants to begin his or her career, you must be passionate about working with plants and an ardent lover of nature.
Entry requirements for college leavers are a few GCSE’s/S grades – check with your local college. Individuals who have attained the age of seventeen years with a year experience can take a National Certificate in Horticulture.
Other possible qualifications are as follows:
- C&G Advanced National Certificate in Horticulture (ANCH).
- BTEC/SQA higher national certificate or diploma.
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture.
- Foundation degree or degree in Horticulture or Landscape and Amenity Management.
While working, garden maintenance operatives may go for other qualifications, like the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture or City and Guilds National Certificate in Horticulture (which can be taken after a BTEC First Diploma in Horticulture or one year’s experience).
These are the following attributes you should possess if you are considering a career in garden maintenance:
- Understanding of plant science.
- Be willing under any weather conditions
- Have excellent communication skills
- Pay attention to health and safety issues
- Possess technical proficiency in the handling of gadgets
- Must be physically fit
- Be a team player and must be confident in expressing self
- Possess negotiating skills as an independent business person
- Work without supervision.
Garden maintenance operatives across the United Kingdom keep parks, schools and open spaces look good. A career as a gardener in London, Bath, Bristol, Kent …
Start a career as a garden center staff
HOW TO START A CAREER AS A GARDEN CENTER STAFF
Garden center staffs are in charge of planting and keeping plants on a commercial basis. They are usually seen at garden centers where plants and flowers are grown to be sold to the members of the general public. However, they are a part of the horticulture industry and perform vital tasks to the benefits of the members of the public.
These are the responsibilities of garden center staffs:
- Growing of plants, planting of bulbs, sowing seeds, cultivation of cuttings and transferring of the seedlings to containers and pots.
- Nurturing of plants by watering, pruning, weeding, and eliminating pests and diseases.
- Ensure the tools and machinery like tractors, mowers, and chainsaws are in excellent condition.
- Laying of paths
- Provision of professional advice to clients.
- Ensuring the light, humidity, and temperature in the greenhouses is regulated.
- Planning of the ornamental features in the garden.
Garden center staffs usually work forty hours every week. Their hours of operation could fall within any weather condition. If you are starting your career, your salary could be within the range of £10,000 to £15,000 each year.
HOW TO START A CAREER AS A GARDEN CENTER STAFF
It is common knowledge that more than £20 million is spent on plants and other gardening products on an annual basis. We have more than eighteen million gardens in the United Kingdom, and there are countless job opportunities for individuals who want to have a career in the field. There is a surge in the demand for experienced personnel who are in need of employment opportunities.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There are no formal entry requirements for working as a garden center staff, but some employers require prospective employees to provide GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3), especially in science subjects, or a BTEC First Diploma in Land-based Industries or Horticulture. Most major botanical gardens often request for a qualification in the horticultural field.
You can take advantage of full-time and part-time courses to gain insight into horticulture. These are some of the courses you can study:
- City & Guilds National Certificate in Horticulture and Advanced National Certificate in Horticulture.
- BTEC first, national and diploma awards, and higher national certificate/diploma awards in horticulture.
- NVQ’s/SVQ’s in Horticulture and related subjects at Levels 1 to 4.
- General Examination in Horticulture, the RHS Advanced Certificate, and RHS Diploma offered by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
To undergo an apprenticeship program with the National Trust, applicants are required to have four GCSE’s/five S grades (A-C/1-3), including Mathematics, English and science, or equivalent qualifications. With this program, you will be working with an employer. According to the survey, apprentices get paid on a weekly basis.
Gardening career as a tree surgeon
HOW TO HAVE A CAREER IN TREE SURGERY AND HOW TO BE A TREE SURGEON IN LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Tree surgeons are professionals responsible for the felling, care, and maintenance of trees, planting trees and hazard assessments. They are also called tree climbers and arborists. The annual salary for a starter in the United Kingdom is £16,000 while experienced tree surgeons are paid about £30,000 on a yearly basis. They usually work for forty hours per week and could work on weekends at short notice.
Becoming a tree surgeon is possible through these means, and these are a university course, a college course, and an apprenticeship. If you want to study tree surgery in the university, you can apply for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. Other relevant courses related to tree surgery are forest management, arboriculture, forestry, countryside management, and woodland ecology and conversation.
Entry requirements for this course are as follows:
- 1 or 2 A-Levels or its equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels or its equivalent for a degree course.
Entry requirements for this course in colleges are as follows:
- Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
- Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
You can also become an apprentice through an arborist intermediate apprenticeship program.
Entry requirements for this position are as follows:
- GCSEs, usually including English and mathematics, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
You can start your career as a groundworker offering support for an experienced tree surgeon. You can go for more training courses in the handling of chainsaws, ladders, ropes, and harnesses.
You can also work as a volunteer for conservation agencies and horticultural groups to gain more experience and exposure. It is important to use agencies such as the National Trust, The Tree Council and the Woodland Trust for volunteer opportunities.
These are the required attributes of a tree surgeon:
- The capacity to interact with other team members.
- Paying attention to detail on the job.
- Possession of leadership skills.
- Mobility and coordination.
- Patience and the capacity to maintain calmness in the face of difficult situations.
- Dexterity in the use of machines and tools for planting and maintenance of trees.
- Ambitious and ability to work without supervision.
- Capacity to perform tasks with computer and hand-held devices.
- Do not have a phobia for heights.
- Possess a Certificate of Competence. This is essential for carrying out dangerous tasks such as handling pesticides and chainsaws.
- Drivers license
These are the daily tasks performed by tree surgeons:
- Assessment of the hazards posed by the presence of trees
- Offering an assessment of the trees to check the health of trees and offer treatment.
- Removal of overstretched tree branches.
- Planting and Felling of Trees.
WHERE TREE SURGEONS CAN WORK
In the United Kingdom, professional tree surgeons can work in places such as parks and gardens, streets, woodland and rail tracks. The work of a tree surgeon can be complicated as it requires working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
Tree surgeons are also required to wear safety clothing and protective safety equipment. A tree surgeon can gain more experience by studying more courses and be promoted to the position of a manager or supervisor. You can also start your consultancy services to help people prune and maintain trees in their spaces.
arborists
How to get a Career in Garden design
HOW TO HAVE A CAREER IN GARDEN DESIGN
The role of the professional garden designer is to create a vision of beauty, form, and function for a boring piece of land. These designs provided by professional garden designers often integrate hard landscaping, soft landscaping, paths and walls, flower beds and shrubs to create an inspiring space.
To be a professional garden designer, you need to have a good entry-level certificate that offers teaching in the following courses:
Plant Identification: This course offers you an in-depth understanding of the scientific system as well as the family names. This course provides you with the knowledge to recognize about two hundred and fifty various plants.
Design Elements and Principles: This course provides you with knowledge of contrast, harmony, balance, and line.
Design Procedure: This entails a comprehensive procedure of garden design.
Garden Styles: This provides you with an understanding of various types of garden styles like Formal, Eclectic, Natural, and Mediterranean garden styles among others.
Basic Horticulture: This course provides you with the knowledge of how plants grow and what is required to ensure the proper growth of the plants.
When you learn more about garden design, exposure to higher learning in your field will increase your chances of success.
ACS can be helpful for the courses for individuals at entry and advanced levels in garden design. If you want to have a career in garden design, you need to be adventurous and open to new creative ideas. You will have the opportunity to meet new clients with diverse tastes and preferences and your creativity will be required to deliver excellent service. Having a creative edge over your contemporaries will make you be considered by employers and clients for projects.
If you are considering a career in garden design, you need to be a team player and possess communication skills. You need to maintain good relationships with people and maintain effective communication skills. Listening to the needs of your team members and clients is paramount to your success in the field.
Another attribute you should focus on when you are considering a career in garden design is timely delivery. You must pay attention to detail and be customer-oriented as a partnership with your customers is critical to your success. You must be organized to deliver your garden design services. Possessing landscaping knowledge is integral to your success in the business.
You must possess time management skills if you want to have a long-term career in the garden design niche.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
To be a qualified garden designer, you can participate in short courses, diplomas, and degrees in garden design offered by reputable agencies and organizations. Garden designers can work in a nursery if they have an affinity for plants and nature. These are professionals who can design and draw various designs and will be a valuable addition to the construction industry.
Some garden designers enter the profession after working as a gardener, others with a garden design qualification.
Specific courses/qualifications available are:
- BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Horticulture (Garden Design).
- BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Garden Design; Garden Design with Plantsmanship; Horticulture (Garden Design).
- Foundation degree in Garden Design; Garden Design and Landscape Design.
- BA (Hons) Degree in Garden Design; Garden Design, Arts and Management; Garden Design and Landscape Design; Landscape, Garden Design and Management.
For HNC/HND courses, applicants usually need one A level/H grade and four to five GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3). For Foundation degree courses the qualifications are usually one or two A levels/H grades and five GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3). Degree courses usually require at least two A levels/H grades and five GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3).
There are also HNC/HND, Foundation degree and degree courses in horticulture, which provide relevant background qualifications to progress to garden design. The Institute of Gardening offers a Diploma in Horticulture with a home study option and City & Guilds has a National Certificate in Horticulture Level 2.
EXAMS FOR CONSIDERATION
HNC courses usually last two years part-time, HND and Foundation degree courses two years full time, and degree courses three years. Course content combines academic study with practical tasks, and work placements.
NVQ’s/SVQ’s are available in Horticulture at Level 3 with design options. These can be gained at work, as part of the training involves practical workplace assessment.
The Society of Garden Designers has a certified members’ scheme which is open to garden designers with two years’ practical experience.
How to get a Career in Landscape design
HOW TO GET A CAREER IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Being a landscape gardener or designer is an awesome career in horticulture. The landscape gardener or designer is responsible for the creation and maintenance of parks, gardens, indoor and outdoor areas. The average salary for a beginner in landscaping in the United Kingdom is £16,000 on a yearly basis. The experienced personnel receive about £30,000 per year, and spend about forty hours on the job per week. However, weekend jobs are seldom as there could be a need to work on weekends.
If you want to become a professional landscape designer or gardener, you can acquire a college course or through an apprenticeship program. You can also attend specialist courses organized by professional bodies.
For college admission, you can become a professional landscape designer by attending the following courses:
- Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture and Amenity Horticulture
- Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
- Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture
The entry requirements for this course are as follows:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.
On the other hand, an apprenticeship is an excellent option as you can participate in a horticulture and landscape intermediate apprenticeship program. There are two options in two categories: Horticulture and Landscape Construction.
As you acquire experience, you can move to a landscape supervisor advanced apprenticeship program. These are the entry requirements under this program:
- GCSEs, usually including English and mathematics, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and mathematics, for an advanced apprenticeship
With this program, you can start your career as an assistant landscaper and gain more experience on the job.
You can also start a career in landscaping through direct application. However, there are no formal criteria of being a professional landscaper but most employers want individuals to have experience and knowledge in horticulture.
However, the Royal Horticultural Society provides courses for individuals who want to learn about gardening and those who want to have a career in horticulture. You can also apply for membership of the British Association of Landscape Industries for training support, professional guidance, and news about job vacancies.
As a professional landscape gardener in the United Kingdom, these are the attributes you should possess:
- Ambitious and willing to succeed.
- Capacity to be a team member
- Must be willing to move around and work with his hands
- Pay attention to detail and focused.
- Patient and possess social relationship skills
- Capacity to handle tasks on a computer and other devices.
The tasks of landscaping designers on a daily basis are:
- Putting of new plants
- Discussing the needs of your clients
- Working on the plans prepared by garden designers or landscape architects.
- Responsible for the ordering of supplies
- Preparation of the interior space.
- Turfing and seeding of lawns
- Planting and pruning of shrubs and trees.
- Installation of rock gardens, paths, paving, and water features
- Offer maintenance tips to the customers.
Professional landscapers can work in a garden or with a client who has a garden in their homes and offices. You need to work in every weather condition as an expert in the field. There is a need to wear protective clothing each time to protect your body parts. You could work in a supervisory or managerial position with this qualification. When you have gained more experience, you can start your career as an independent contractor.
Horticulture And Gardeners’ Salaries In London?
Horticulture And Gardeners’ Salaries In London?
Gardeners are like any other professionals and need good working conditions and pay. In London, head gardeners are earning between £20,000 – £40,000 but several of them are still underpaid and receiving as low as £16,000/year, as revealed by the Professional Gardeners’ Guild (PGG).
The gardening professional community is highly disappointed with the pay they are receiving. Since, many a time they work in unsafe conditions and spend their own money on tools and clothes, PGG is taking initiatives in order to create awareness among the employers and the public at large. PGG is also coming up with pay guidelines to support the gardener members and provide them direction to negotiate/accept or reject a job offer.
Gardeners’ pay does not vary much; over 64% of them earn between £16,000- £20,000. However, there are some who earn lesser. UK also has a large number of self-employed gardeners who charge anywhere between £10-£25/hour; this depends upon the place where they work. The highest rates, however are in London.
If you are looking to build a career in gardening or already into it, here are the pay guidelines recommended by PGG you need to know:
Head gardener: £26,000-£36,000
Deputy head gardener: £22,000- £28,000
Gardens Manager: £32,000-£46,000
Skilled gardener: £20,000-£26,000
Trainee gardener under the age of 17: £14,000- £16,000
Self-employed gardeners:
London: £20- £30
IMPORTANCE OF LIME IN YOUR GARDEN
Our lawns are part of our homes that needs to be kept in excellent condition. These lawns create the first impression of us to the public glare and tell more about our preferences, style, and personality. This should give us an idea that our lawns should not be treated with levity, and they must be handled by professionals if we are not available to maintain them due to our busy schedules.
This article will provide you with important information about adding lime to your yard to make it look great. Lime has been recommended by most experts to make your gardens and lawns green, and make you the envy of your neighbors with your blossoming surroundings.
When your garden is not properly taken care of, you have several problems such as pale grass, yellow grass, and dead patches to deal with. In some cases, some homeowners have applied different strategies to make their lawns green but all to no avail. These procedures involve the application of fertilizers, mulching, and mowing. The infestation of insects and funguses is another factor that must not be ignored as they cause damage to the lawns and gardens as well.
However, when you have applied all procedures and nothing seems to work for you; the best solution is to take a careful analysis of the situation. You need to check the acidity level of your garden soil as it is important for your pH level to be neutral as this will make your garden to be green and flourishing. You can check the pH level of your garden soil with soil testing kits purchased from stores. Knowing this will inform you of the next step of action to be taken regarding your lawns. You need to add mulch for more nutrients or apply some procedures to reduce the acidity level if the results show that the pH level is too high.
Lime has several benefits when added to your lawn, and can help you to have the required soil with the right pH level to make your garden green. It is important to read the instructions on your testing kit or discuss your needs with a professional in landscaping services.
You can apply forty pounds of lime pellets for every thousand square feet of lawn at least two or three times on a yearly basis. This should be done if the pH level of your soil is too high. Lime can be used for the restoration of the beauty of your lawns, and make your lawns look more appealing.
These are the reasons why you should apply lime to your lawns:
- Lime is made from ground limestone rock and comprises magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate. These compounds have the capacity to increase the soil’s pH level, thereby making it more alkaline and less acidic. The essence of using lime is to alter the soil pH level and improve the nutrients required for the growth of the plants.
- Lime ensures the restoration of balance in soil with higher acidity soil and plays a significant role in bringing the acidity level to an optimum level.
- Addition of lime to your lawn ensures the grass in your garden acquires the proper nutrients required for lush and beautiful growth.
- Lime is available in magnesium and calcium carbonates. For instance, high calcium lime has the capacity to enhance the soil structure and reduce its compaction.
- It enhances the growth and development of your lawn as it adds the necessary nutrients to the grass.
The application of lime to your lawn should be done with proper discretion and strict adherence to guidelines from experts. You need to do research on soil acidity level, and let the professionals provide you with tips to know the best time to apply the lime for efficient results. The fall season is the best period to apply lime to your lawn as it penetrates deeper into the deep roots of your grass.
GARDEN COMPOST AREAS
There are several methods of garden composting, and it is your decision to select the suitable option for your garden. Though your decision is influenced by style, preferences, and budget, this article will give you an idea of the best available options for your garden, and help you to make an informed decision.
- ENCLOSED STATIC GARDEN COMPOST BINS
These are compressed garden composters that prevent the penetration of vermin and rain and ensure warmth. These compost bins are preferred by individuals who are practicing garden composting for the first time and hope to have a clean environment. It is your decision to select between plastic compost bins and wooden beehive composter. Ensure there are ventilation holes for proper penetration of oxygen to your compost; it is also important to buy a model that has an opening base for ease. However, garden composters manufactured from recycled plastic are renowned to be environmental-friendly.
On the other hand, the disadvantage of using enclosed bins is that turning the compost is difficult. These bins help you to keep the garden waste warm and the process of moist composting is faster. Within six months, these garden compost bins offer you the chance to have quality and premium compost for your garden.
- Rolling Garden Compost Bins
These are trendy compost bins for your garden composting needs, and they can be rolled to the location of your garden waste. This rolling procedure ensures the penetration of oxygen and fast decomposition in few days. These compost bins keep out the rain and vermin away and ensure the process of aerating the pile is not complicated. However, its defect is that these bins can be heavy when they are filled up. If you want to enjoy these compost bins, make sure there is sufficient space where you can roll the bin around your yard for filling.
- Compost Tumblers or Rotating Compost Bins
These plastic garden compost bins are available in different forms and shapes. One of the amazing benefits of using these bins is that they can be turned on their axis to allow proper mixing and aeration of the content. Most gardening experts said they can produce compost within weeks with the help of these bins.
However, if you want to purchase this compost tumbler, it is critical to avoid buying the tumblers that stand in an upright position. Most often, these tumblers are cheaper and tempting for you but the side effect is that they are bulky to rotate. On the other hand, a tumbler that rotates on the horizontal axis requires less effort to use. They also generate finished compost within a short time and more expensive than static compost bins.
- Worm Composters
If you are familiar with gardening, you will notice that worm composting is gaining the attention of gardeners and individuals who have gardens. This is due to the fact that worms produce compost very fast after eating loads of food crumbs. However, worm composters are great for gardens with small spaces.
There are several factors that must be considered when using worm composters, and these are temperature, sunlight, and other factors. For instance, compost bins are to be kept indoors for effective results as it is easy to manage the slight changes in temperature. These worms help in the recycling of kitchen crumbs while offering you quality plant feed and compost in the process.
- Open Garden Composters
Open Garden Composters are also great for garden composting. They are cheaper options if you have a low budget.
HOW TO SELECT THE BEST GARDEN COMPOSTER
One of the factors that must be considered in the selection of your garden composter is budget, and there is no need shying away from the fact. There are various garden composters that can be included in the gardens, and using a compost tumbler is an excellent idea and smart choice. A compost tumbler is an amazing choice because of its effectiveness and they can be used for a longer period.