compostbasics'^TM OverEasy^TM Composters

We developed these composters after considering lots of different systems. We rejected out of hand many models that were either too small or inconvenient. Others we tried and found either too expensive or a struggle to open and turn. Others fell apart after a while and with most of them, we could never plant in the spot where the composter was--the best soil in the garden. We came up with this patented design which offers these features:

• Cheap and indestructible
• Lightweight and movable
• Rolls up to transport and store
• Big opening so it's easy to load
• Opens up really easily--you can even keep on your gardening gloves.
• No loose parts to get lost in the garden
• Big enough for efficient composting
• Not so big that turning is too difficult
• Allows choices--to turn, turn sometimes or never turn.
• Adjustable in diameter and height--depending on whatever
• Let's people do a some lifting work if they want to

Women are particularly interested in the system because it allows the gardener to open up the composter easily. The pile is big enough to compost well but not so big that it's a tedious chore to turn or impossible to reach the finished compost underneath.

Unfortunately, this system is not for people who want to turn their compost but have back trouble. There's about 15 minutes of lifting involved as you turn your compost back into the OverEasy^TM composter. For those of us who actually welcome a little heavy work now and then or those who definitely do not want to turn at all, it's a great system.

OverEasy^TM Composter

$75 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

This unit includes:

• One 3' x 10' heavy duty 100% post -consumer plastic sheet
• Two OverEasy^TM buckle assemblies
• One 36" diameter 100% recycled plastic top
• 4 handholds
• Air vents along the bottom
• Eyelets to allow 3 size adjustments
• Guidelines to facilitate cutting down the height
• Instructions
• compostbasics' ^TMpamphlet of practical composting tips

People choose the recycled plastic version of the OverEasy^TM Composter for 4 reasons:

1. They want to deter their dog and other critters from getting into the compost.
2. They like how it looks.
3. It holds moisture better than the wire version.
4. It's made from really sturdy flexible post-consumer plastic stock.

There's a photo of the OverEasy^TM composter in our Photo Album.

OverEasy^TM Composter wire version

$20 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

$40 with a top (see below) plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

This unit includes:

• 3' x 12' length welded wire with 2" x 4" openings
• 2 OverEasy buckle assemblies
• Instructions
• compostbasics'^TM pamphlett on practical composting tips

The wire version can be adjusted for any diameter by fastening the buckles in different places. It's best used between 3 and 4 feet in diameter. 3 feet in diameter, or 27 cubic feet - about the size of a washing machine-- is the lowest recommended size for a compost pile. A pile over 4 feet in diameter, 36 cu feet is much more time consuming and difficult to turn over. I keep mine between 3 and 4 feet in diameter for that reason. In any case, it is not recommended to build your pile over 5 ft in diameter, 45 cu ft because the inside can easily turn to anaerobic rather than aerobic decomposition. With this unit you've got the choice of adjusting it smaller during the spring and larger in summer and fall when there's lots of material available for composting.

People choose this version of compostbasics'^TM OverEasy^TM composter because:

1. It's cheaper.
2. It lets lots of air in.
3. It kind-of "disappears" when it's full of composting material.
4. It's super low-tech.
5. You can adjust it out to 4 feet in diameter and throw in lots more material.
6. It's indestructible--I've used the same wire for 8 years and it's still perfect.

There's a photo of the wire OverEasy^TM composter in our Photo Album.

OverEasy^TM Buckle Assemblies

$8 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

If you have your own wire or fencing, you can shape it into a cylinder and attach the ends with these buckles to make your own version of the OverEasy composter. The buckles allow you to adjust and open the composter effortlessly. They also stay attached to the fencing while you're moving it so nothing gets lost in the process. The buckles are big enough to open with your gardening gloves on.

OverEasy^TM 36" diameter Recycled Plastic Top

$25 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

You can buy the top separately to put on your OverEasy^TM Wire composter or on your own 36" diameter wire cage. It keeps out rain and snow and is a deterrent to raccoons and dogs. Not mice or bears however. There's a picture of the top in use in our Photo Album.

Lightweight Compost Fork

$55 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Most forks weigh between 5-6 lbs. This one weighs 3 lbs and is beautifully balanced. It's from England and made from lightweight metal. I'm surprised that I prefer it over my 3 lb. wooden handled fork. It's the one I always reach for when I want to turn my compost pile. There's a picture of me using the fork in our Photo Album.

20" Compost Thermometer

$20 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

This is not a required item at all. I didn't get one until I'd been composting for many years and was curious about the temperature inside my pile. This one is an perfect size for the OverEasy^TM composters because the 20" length gets you into the center of the pile. If you have a larger pile, I'd suggest a longer probe.

compostbasics'^TM Composting Tips
"More than Ten Tips for Successful Composting"

$2 plus postage ** 5 or more $1 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Here's a brochure chock full of practical tips for backyard composting. You can see the contents on our "compostia" page.

compostbasics'^TM 15 minute video "Basic Composting"

$10 plus postage **

Quantity

-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

This video covers the basics of successful composting--layering greens, browns, adding water, the squeeze test, fluffing up the material, trouble shooting problems, screening, soil amendment and composting all year. The video shows kids, older folks, folks of different races and ages, women and men involved in composting activities. It would be good for showing at a garden club or neighborhood meeting.

Ordering Information

**postage and shipping: I want to charge you only what it costs to actually send your order to you. Because some of this equipment is bulky and the costs will vary from one part of the country to another, I'd like to figure each order separately. When you email your order to me, I'll figure the shipping and get right back to you by email. You can confirm your order plus shipping by email as well. Upon reciept of your payment, I'll send out your order. In Wisconsin, your order will come by a locally owned carrier. In the rest of the country, your order will come by UPS. In Madison, WI, delivery is free. Thanks for your patience.

Payment: I only accept cash and check for payment. We've found that accepting credit cards carries too many added expenses for a small business like compostbasics. Again, thanks for your understanding.