"Drew" wrote in message
oups.com...
I do not understand your reply. Yes the mulch will be removed if I
empty the container. And yes then I will have to put something else in
it, (or replace the mulch). But that is what composting is about. Right
?
My main concerns are about the chemical make-up of the mulch and it's
ability to let air in from the holes in the bottom of the compost
container.


Maybe I'm assuming your NOT going to remove your compost all at once, or
you're assuming that you ARE. My compost boxes are about 4' high. I add to
them constantly. The entire amount is NEVER ready to remove all at once. I
remove maybe 1/8 to 1/4 of the total at a time. Most of the time, when the
stuff at the bottom is ready, the upper half needs another month or three.
This is why I'm wondering if you plan on emptying the whole thing regularly.
It doesn't fit with my own experience.

As far as aeration, don't your composters have thin gaps in the sides? If
yes, you don't need to worry about aeration, especially if you mix the
compost from time to time. If the stuff gets compacted, it's usually because
it's too wet.

Do you have an aerating tool like this?
http://www.gardeners.com/Shopping/se...&RecGroupNum=1