My husband made me a no-turn compost bin from a plastic bin we had I documented the process to share with you! Why make your own compost bin you might ask? Stores sell compost! Composting is a way to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. A compost bin reduces how much waste is sent to landfills and leaves you with fertilizer that nourishes your plants.
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How to build a homemade compost bin?
What you will need:
- bin (You can find it on a local marketplace for resale for about $20)
- aluminum rails
- hinges to attach lid
- hinge and latch to close compost door
- metal plate for secondary door
- Rivets
*Try to use stainless steel or aluminum or materials that prevent rust!
*I have linked to items we used for easier understanding of all the steps. Click images to shop item.
**If you choose to purchase a compost bin instead of building one this is the one I would recommend.
Get a plastic, bin flip the opening down, and use it as the bottom compost should touch the bare ground.
On the now top cut a lid opening and use a hinge to hold the cutout piece which becomes a lid to the bin so that it can easily open. To better seal the lid and make a rim so that the lid doesn't fall through use an old rubber hose and silicone to adhere to the rim of the cutout lid.
Cut a rectangle opening for the bottom compost door to make access to ready compost. Once the compost has decomposed you can remove it with a shovel from the bottom, while still being able to add compostable items on top. Aline rails on either side of the opening as pictured and then cut out a sheet of metal to fit into the rails and for it to be able to glide down to close the opening. This is an optional step but recommended as it will keep the compost in the bin and keep it from seating out the sides and bulging the door open. Then attach hinges to the cut-out rectangle door piece and a latch onto the opposite side to keep the door closed and in place. Your bin is now ready to use!! Start adding compostable items such as those listed below!
How do you start a compost bin for beginners?
1. Figure out what kind of compost bin you will use a store-bought or you will build one yourself.
2. Make sure compost touches the bare ground.
3. Follow the guidelines down below of what to place and what not to place into your compost bin.
What should I put in a compost bin?
- Green materials include fruit and vegetable scraps
- used tea or coffee grounds
- crushed eggshells
- Grass clippings (if not treated), plant cuttings, old flowers
- Brown materials like straw, paper and cardboard, dry leaves
What should you NOT put in a compost bin
- Meat and Fish Scraps
- Dairy, Fats, and Oils
- Plants or Wood that has been treated with chemicals
- Diseased or Insect-Infested Plants
- Dog or Cat Waste
When will my Compost be ready?
If you are using a no-turn method like mine it should take about 6-12 months. Fall is the perfect time to start a compost bin. First off there is plenty of natural material that can be used to add to your compost bin such as leaves, old plants, and fruit from your vegetable garden. Second, it gives you time for the compost to decompose.
Other gardening posts:
AUTO GARDEN WATERING SYSTEM
SPRING GARDEN PREPERATION
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