Log in

View Full Version : BACKYARD COMPOST SYSTEM SURVEY


autumnlowder
3-3-20, 3:14pm
Hello!

I am currently in my last semester studying product design at the University of Cincinnati. For my final project, I am creating a backyard compost system. This system aims to help suburban households start and maintain a compost pile in their backyard, thus eliminating about 28% of household waste from being landfilled. I have created a short survey (about 5 minutes long) about the styling and features of the system. I am looking for feedback and concept validation.

Please click the link below to complete this quick survey.
Thank you!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5KKP86D (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5KKP86D)
Gardnr
3-3-20, 4:55pm
Admins: can you verify that this brand new person with a hotlink in a post is not a hacker? This creeps me out.
Alan
3-3-20, 5:06pm
Admins: can you verify that this brand new person with a hotlink in a post is not a hacker? This creeps me out.No, she doesn't appear to be a hacker at all, just a college student working on a project. The Survey Monkey link appears legit.

When I authorized her account request this morning I was pleased to see she's local to me and a cursory check (how's that for creepy?) shows her to be an honors student at my alma mater with a fairly robust online presence. I'm sorry to see that she's apparently only here to conduct a survey rather than becoming an active participant, but that's how it goes sometimes.
happystuff
3-3-20, 5:17pm
Thanks for the verification. Easy survey. Good luck!!!
catherine
3-3-20, 5:17pm
Yes, happy to explore great compost systems!
Tammy
3-3-20, 9:19pm
I took the survey.

Will you join our community and tell us more about backyard gardening?
Gardnr
3-3-20, 10:58pm
No, she doesn't appear to be a hacker at all, just a college student working on a project. The Survey Monkey link appears legit.

When I authorized her account request this morning I was pleased to see she's local to me and a cursory check (how's that for creepy?) shows her to be an honors student at my alma mater with a fairly robust online presence. I'm sorry to see that she's apparently only here to conduct a survey rather than becoming an active participant, but that's how it goes sometimes.

Thank you for the check.
happystuff
3-4-20, 8:46am
With regards to the composting systems in the survey - they seem to be quite large and suited for a very large garden space. I currently have a two container system that was obtained free from our county almost 30 years ago. They are mobile and easy to use. I'm thinking my next system will be a "turning" barrel type.
catherine
3-4-20, 10:31am
My compost system is definitely haphazard and I have fixing it up on my spring to-do list. I definitely need two for a start (have always had just one), but I do need a small-ish footprint because I have a small yard in full view of my neighbors, so I do like the more attractive spin on compost systems that were in the choices.
iris lilies
3-4-20, 11:12am
Since we are Uber cheap we have several compost holders that have been either gleaned or recycled. Although I think DH did buy one of them. I’m forced to compost, that’s been required here for 30 years so now it’s just automatic.I only occasionally now make snide comments about “the pig slop “ If DH died suddenly I don’t even know what I would do with the food scraps. I’d probably walk around clueless and helpless saying who is going to empty the bucket? How do I get a bucket emptied?


I am not allowed to use our homegrown compost which is fine with me because I always find it slimy and not very nice. In St. Louis I use compost from the city that is free.


In Hermann we had to buy it and that was a new experience. We’ve never had to buy compost in 30 years. Do not likee.
nswef
3-4-20, 12:56pm
Interesting survey, but our compost system is just a pile...which we rake and weed every now and then. I do love the idea of a "pretty" system but as we live out where no one cares about how it looks...I find the pile much easier to access than a pretty wooden bin, that would rot. The idea of the sifter and wheeled cart is cool. My husband made me a portable box for sifting, that i put over the wheelbarrow, but generally I don't bother to sift.
Gardnr
3-4-20, 1:09pm
Interesting survey, but our compost system is just a pile...which we rake and weed every now and then. I do love the idea of a "pretty" system but as we live out where no one cares about how it looks...I find the pile much easier to access than a pretty wooden bin, that would rot. The idea of the sifter and wheeled cart is cool. My husband made me a portable box for sifting, that i put over the wheelbarrow, but generally I don't bother to sift.

I did take the survey. We do the sameas you nswef. It's a pile behind our hot tub. And we're in city limits. No need for fancy schmancy containers.
autumnlowder
3-10-20, 11:15pm
Thank you for taking my survey and for all the comments! First off, I apologize for sketching people out by posting a link as a new member. I know I haven't participated in this forum before, but I wanted to get quality feedback from people who have knowledge and opinions about backyard gardening and composting.

Your feedback is all very helpful. I know that this system is not for everyone (even my own compost bin is made from old pallets), but since I am in school for product design, I am trying to create a solution for people who want to have a better impact on the environment but don't want to create their own bins or have freestanding piles of decomposing food in their backyard.

Thank you again for the help!
pcooley
4-14-20, 1:54pm
My compost piles are 5' by 5' based on Joseph Jenkins' rough design in the Humanure Handbook. 3' seems a little small.

We actually have too many destinations for our compost, as we have a worm bin and chickens, in addition to the compost pile. We're constantly checking to make sure the worms have enough to eat, and are always trying to set some things aside for the chickens.

I like to have a compost pile the chickens can't get to, because when they get in, they spread the compost everywhere. The last time I added compost to the garden beds, I had to scrape a thin layer off the entire back yard, so I finally built good solid bins, 5' by 5' by 4' tall.
Brady
4-16-20, 1:59pm
Like the designs a lot, but I'm partial to the rotating bin that allows you to easily turn the pile whenever you need to. Not the most stylish, but easy. No idea if that's actually the best way to compost though, I just grew up with it, so on my to-do list is to actually learn about how compost systems are "supposed" to work.
happystuff
4-20-20, 8:18pm
I like this and may have to give it a try eventually:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt4Nk3ciLis