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Are you trying to figure out if the Subpod is right for your yard? We’ve tested it out and surveyed our compost loving friends to bring you the best information about a Subpod compost system.
Compost systems have come a long way over the last few years. It seems like almost every 6 months there is a new compost system on the market. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to keep up with what products work best for different people. Read on to see if a Subpod is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Spoiler alert: if Subpod isn’t for you, I’ve got a ton of other options for you. I believe there is a perfect compost system for everyone! You can learn more about electric composters and compost tumblers here.
What is a SubPod?
A SubPod composter is a below ground/ in-ground compost system that can be placed in a raised garden bed. To me, the SubPod is a modern day, easy to assemble, take on a traditional African keyhole garden where a compost basket for food scraps is placed in the middle of a raised garden.
New to composting? Check out my beginners guide to compost here.
If you want the beautiful vermicompost (worm castings and finished compost) from worm composting without a sightly worm bin, then a Subpod is right for you. A Subpod is a great way to get into vermiculture without having to maintain a worm tower.
Side note: Worm towers are amazing and I absolutely love mine (this is what I have). However, I realize that it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea!
What are the benefits of a subpod over other composting methods?
I strongly believe that there is a special compost method for each person. Hate the idea of food waste but also hate the act of composting? Hire a residential compost service!
Love gardening but don’t have a ton of space to compost and garden? Buy a Subpod!
I’d say the #1 benefit of a Subpod over other composting methods is that it is ideal for suburban households that don’t traditionally have enough space for a garden and a compost bin.
If you get a Subpod Bundle, it comes with a raised bed (more on the different types of SubPods below). I personally think this is a great option for most suburban households.
The other benefits of a SubPod include:
- no smell
- easy to assemble
- the in-ground worm bin keeps worms happy/ makes it hard to under or overfed worms
- soil in surrounding garden bed is enriched by the compost
- compost collection is easy due to the duel chamber- just let one side rest while you add waste to the other side
The only Subpod Con
The only true con of the SubPod is the price.
While the starting price of $139 for the mini SubPod isn’t the most expensive compost system on the market, it is still a lot of money to spend on something that looks pretty similar to a milk crate.
It is possible to build something similar with your own supplies for a fraction of the cost. However, the ease of the Subpod cancels out the price.
How is the subpod different from traditional composting methods?
The Subpod is a vermicompost system, meaning that it needs worms to break down the food. Would the food eventually break down without the worms? Sure, after a longer period of time and with a lot of stink. The Subpod was designed to be used with worms.
The Subpod isn’t too different from other vermicomposting methods. You put food in a worm bin, worms do the work. You get beautiful vermicompost.
What makes the Subpod different is that worms can freely come and go from the garden bed into the compost system. This is such a win because it means you won’t have to worry about under or over feeding your worms. Another thing that sets Subpod apart is that this compost system is neatly packaged and easy to put together.
Overall SubPod Review- Do I recommend it? Is the Subpod worth the Money?
My overall review of a SubPod is undoubtedly positive.
I’ve now put together three of the raised bins and two of Subpod composters without a problem. I’ve seen two first time composters have great success with Subpod because it is a fun and easy way to do worm composting without having an old school worm bin.
So, is the Subpod actually worth the money? In my opinion, absolutely. Sure, you could build something similar yourself, but if you’re new to composting or don’t have building skills, then this is worth the money.
So, no you don’t necessarily need to spend the money on this, but oh, it is so convenient and beautiful and totally worth the price tag.
How to put together a subpod
A Subpod is easy to assemble. The Subpod compost system itself snaps together easily and can be put together in a matter of minutes.
The garden bed in the Subpod bundle is pretty easy to put together too. It took about 30 minutes for us to put ours together for the review.
Watch the video below to see how easy it is to assemble your Subpod.
Where Can I Buy a subpod? Is there a Subpod coupon code?
I recommend that you buy a Subpod directly through the Subpod website here.
Use the code THECOMPOSTCULTURE10 to get 10% off your purchase!
You can also find some Subpod products on Amazon. However, not all the bundles and products are always available. Plus the support through the Subpod website is amazing!
