Categories: Composting

Build an Easy Compost Bin

Firstly, decide where to place the compost bin. Right outside the kitchen door is convenient for throwing out kitchen scraps. A compost pile made correctly will not have any odor to it, and furthermore, this one will have a decorative touch to it.

Secondly, gather all the materials needed. Some may already be on hand:

  • 2 4X8-foot lattice panels (each cut into 2 4X4-foot pieces)
  • 4 2X4s cut 5 feet long
  • 2 Large clothesline hooks
  • Shovel
  • Drill, screwdriver, or hammer
  • Screws or nails
  • Tape measure

Ask the local home improvement center where the lattice was bought to cut them for you. If they won’t, cutting them is easy with a hand saw.

Build an Easy Compost Bin

Measure a 4X4-foot square at the site chosen. Mark each of the corners of the square which is where the posts will be placed.

Dig a hole for the first support post. The hole should be about 1 foot deep. Insert a 2×4 post and fill the hole in well with soil. Tamp down the soil around the post to keep it sturdy. Notice that there is no need to secure the posts with cement. This makes it easy to move the compost bin if desired.

Hold up the lattice to the first post to make sure the spacing is right for the next post. Dig that hole. Continue to do this until all four posts are in the ground.

The front two 2x4s should be placed with the 4-inch side facing out. This will make it easier to attach the gate later.

Next, line up the lattice sheets against the posts and screw three of the sheets in place. An electric drill or screwdriver will make this step go quickly.

Hold the remaining sheet of lattice against the posts to determine the best location for the hooks. Mark and drill the holes.

Tighten the nuts on both sides of the clothesline hooks tightly.

A second compost bin can be attached to the first one with just three sheets of lattice. This will be convenient for turning the pile and will increase the amount of compost at hand. To make the compost bin more attractive, grow flowering or non-flowering vines up the sides of the lattice. Potted plants can also be placed around it. This easy project saved anywhere from $200 to $500 on a retail compost bin.

The following vines and plants would be an added feature to the compost bin:

  • Sweet Peas
  • Hyacinth Bean Vine
  • Morning Glory
  • Geraniums
  • Marigolds
  • Petunias

Organic Fertilizers

Resources

Better Homes and Garden

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