Okay, so you're sold on the idea of composting. You've got the know-how, the determination, a swill bucket, and plenty of table scraps. Now, all you need is something to put it all in.
If you're not the do-it-yourself type, you can buy a pre-made compost bin at your local home improvement store. The options, however, are typically less than desirable.
Most stores sell small, plastic bins for around $50. You can buy "fancier" models that have legs and a handle for "rotating" that cost upwards to $100.
These store-bought compost bins are fine. They work and are easy to assemble, for the most part. They typically aren't very sturdy though. One will be taken out in a good hail storm, for sure, but if you just want to get started, don't care about cost, and want to make the process as easy as possible, store-bought compost bins are just fine.
If you have the time, want to save a little money, and don't mind the sweat and physical labor, building your own compost bin is fairly easy, fun, and can be customized to fit any space or to address specific needs.
There are a lot of options for homemade compost bins. You can use trash cans, chicken wire, storage tubs or trunks, and a variety of other around-the-house items.
If you want to strap on your tool belt and build a compost bin out of wood, it's easy and takes no time at all. You don't even need an electric saw. You'll be making simple cuts, so a hand saw will work just fine, though you will have blisters and over-worked shoulder muscles by the time the project is done.
What you need to build a wood compost bin
- Wood
- Nails
- Saw (miter, circular, hand, or other)
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
Directions (See slideshow above for visual directions)
Determine the exact size of your compost bin.
Cut the wood to the desired length. (Note: Cut two pieces about a half inch to an inch longer than the others.)
Set the two, longer pieces of wood on a level surface. These pieces will act as the base.
Nail the first set of slats into the base, connecting the two base pieces.
You now have a square to build on. Make sure the structure is level before continuing.
Once you have the first slats secure and level, "Lincoln Log" the rest of the slats. Just like you did as a kid, build a log cabin. Using this "Lincoln Log" technique will ensure there is enough space between the slats for ventilation.
If you want a larger space between your slats, try lining the bin with chicken wire or even window screens to help keep the compost contained but still allowing oxygen to pass freely.
In the example, there is no front to the bin. This decision was made so that the bin would be easily accessible for rotating and dumping ingredients into the pile. You don't have to leave the front open. Your bin can have four walls, just keep in mind that will require more wood.
How tall you want the bin is up to you. Keep layering the bin until you have reached the desired height.
After the bin is as tall as you want, add the roof.
When determining what kind of roof to use, remember heat is needed to help with decomposition. There are many roof options that will help trap heat: a solid piece of plywood, strategically-spaced slats, a piece of plastic, or as shown above, a trash bag stapled across the top.
You can even customize the roof to have hinges so it can open and close easily. How fancy (and expensive) you want your homemade compost bin to be is up to you.
Once the compost bin is complete, move it to its permanent location and start filling and tending to it.
With the exception of wood, most materials needed for this project have minimal cost. When all's said and done, a homemade compost bin should be no more than $40. If you happen to have a lot of scrap wood and other supplies lying about, your cost will decrease even more.
For other homemade compost bin options like plastic tubs and wire fencing, visit Organic Gardening at About.com.
Most stores sell small, plastic bins for around $50. You can buy "fancier" models that have legs and a handle for "rotating" that cost upwards to $100.
These store-bought compost bins are fine. They work and are easy to assemble, for the most part. They typically aren't very sturdy though. One will be taken out in a good hail storm, for sure, but if you just want to get started, don't care about cost, and want to make the process as easy as possible, store-bought compost bins are just fine.
If you have the time, want to save a little money, and don't mind the sweat and physical labor, building your own compost bin is fairly easy, fun, and can be customized to fit any space or to address specific needs.
There are a lot of options for homemade compost bins. You can use trash cans, chicken wire, storage tubs or trunks, and a variety of other around-the-house items.
If you want to strap on your tool belt and build a compost bin out of wood, it's easy and takes no time at all. You don't even need an electric saw. You'll be making simple cuts, so a hand saw will work just fine, though you will have blisters and over-worked shoulder muscles by the time the project is done.
What you need to build a wood compost bin
- Wood
- Nails
- Saw (miter, circular, hand, or other)
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
Directions (See slideshow above for visual directions)
Determine the exact size of your compost bin.
Cut the wood to the desired length. (Note: Cut two pieces about a half inch to an inch longer than the others.)
Set the two, longer pieces of wood on a level surface. These pieces will act as the base.
Nail the first set of slats into the base, connecting the two base pieces.
You now have a square to build on. Make sure the structure is level before continuing.
Once you have the first slats secure and level, "Lincoln Log" the rest of the slats. Just like you did as a kid, build a log cabin. Using this "Lincoln Log" technique will ensure there is enough space between the slats for ventilation.
If you want a larger space between your slats, try lining the bin with chicken wire or even window screens to help keep the compost contained but still allowing oxygen to pass freely.
In the example, there is no front to the bin. This decision was made so that the bin would be easily accessible for rotating and dumping ingredients into the pile. You don't have to leave the front open. Your bin can have four walls, just keep in mind that will require more wood.
How tall you want the bin is up to you. Keep layering the bin until you have reached the desired height.
After the bin is as tall as you want, add the roof.
When determining what kind of roof to use, remember heat is needed to help with decomposition. There are many roof options that will help trap heat: a solid piece of plywood, strategically-spaced slats, a piece of plastic, or as shown above, a trash bag stapled across the top.
You can even customize the roof to have hinges so it can open and close easily. How fancy (and expensive) you want your homemade compost bin to be is up to you.
Once the compost bin is complete, move it to its permanent location and start filling and tending to it.
With the exception of wood, most materials needed for this project have minimal cost. When all's said and done, a homemade compost bin should be no more than $40. If you happen to have a lot of scrap wood and other supplies lying about, your cost will decrease even more.
For other homemade compost bin options like plastic tubs and wire fencing, visit Organic Gardening at About.com.