Composting is an ecological way to recycle garden waste and certain kitchen scraps that will in turn enrich your garden.
All you need to start is a bin to contain the rotting vegetation. You can buy one – they come in a variety of sizes and made from wood, plastic or metal. Alternatively, why not learn how to make a compost bin out of wood? This can be from new or recycled materials. The compost bin can then be made to measure to fit available space and circumstances.
One of the simplest methods is to recycle unwanted pallets. You’ll need four and you don’t even have to saw them! You’ll also need four pieces of wood the same height as the pallets to use as stakes (slightly taller would be better). Make an open-sided box using three of the pallets.
On the chosen site that you’ve previously levelled, stake the bin in place. The fourth pallet is to be an open-able door that needs fixing in place with wire. It is also best to cover over this compost bin with carpet. The warmth provided from the carpet helps speed up the composting process.
For more details see How To Build A Compost Bin.
Videos Showing How To Make A Compost Bin
Here’s a similar compost bin that doesn’t need stakes:
Here’s another video using pallets but for those of you with more advanced skills:
If you are just starting out, unsure as to whether composting is for you or have limited space, the easiest way to make a compost bin is by using a plastic storage box. You need a container no smaller than 18 gallons that has a lid. You need to drill holes in the bin to let the air circulate which in turn speeds up the composting.
- See http://organicgardening.about.com/od/compost/ht/storagecompost.htm for full instructions.
Another relatively easy way to create your own compost bin is from chicken wire and wooden stakes. When you’ve cut the wire to the correct length – the perimeter of your box – staple it to one of the stakes. Do this with both ends on the same stake (it will look like an endless wire cylinder). Drive the stake firmly into the ground and stake it down further with three other pieces of wood to create a square / rectangular shaped bin.
- For a fuller picture plus video see http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Compost-Bin.
If you have advanced carpentry skills, there are a couple more plans I’ve found in my search. The first is a wooden compost bin made in sections. The sections are interlocking so you can stack them on each other to make the bin taller as your compost heap grows (http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/factsheets/gg24.php). It also has the advantage that it is moveable.
The other design is a timber framed bin with the front pieces sliding into place as the compost pile grows (http://www.greenfingers.com/articledisplay.asp?id=340).
Warning: composting can be very addictive once you get started!
Alan
