Take time to build a good compost bin for turning garbage into a pile of organic fertilizer. This fertilizer will work wonders on the vegetable garden, flower beds, herbs, and ornamental plants. The bulbs get off to a healthier start without the use of chemical fertilizers.
A well-designed compost pile is ideal for microorganisms to grow and reproduce. These microorganisms quickly convert kitchen and garden wastes into top natural fertilizer and soil conditioners. For reproduction to occur they most have a balance of nitrogen and carbon. The carbon will come from dry leaves, straw and sawdust. Nitrogen will be furnished by green materials like grass, vegetable garden waste or flower bed and kitchen scraps from vegetable and fruits.
Table of Contents
A compost bin can be made easily and economically. There are compost bins available for purchase as well. These may be around the same price as common materials used in building the custom compost bin, so be sure to check the options before beginning a project.
Purchase a piece of chicken wire that measures approximately 4′ wide x 12′ long, 2- 6′ wooden stakes and wire. Drive the two stakes into the ground about 1 1/2′ deep. The stakes will be facing each other. Begin at one stack and wrap the chicken wire around the other stake and back to the beginning. This forms a circle. Secure the chicken wire to the stakes with the smaller wire. Optional small nails or carpenter staples can also be used to secure the wire. To turn the compost pile, simply detach one end of the wire from the stake and pull the wire back. Turn the compost pile with a potato fork.
Purchase about 76 cinder-blocks that measure 8″ x 12″. The exact number needed will be determined by the size of the compost bin desired. To make a two section compost bin about 3 1/2′ x 6 1/2′, build a rectangle. Place 3 blocks on the short end. Leave 3″ between each block. Make the front by laying a block turned to the side. Line up the outside of this block with the end block outside edge. Place 4 more blocks in a row, end to end. Leave about 3″ between the blocks. Continue to build the end with 3 blocks and the back side with 5 blocks. Build the height of the garden compost bin by adding another layer of blocks. Alternate this layer so the block straddles the gap left in the row below it. Repeat for a third and final layer. Divide the rectangle in half by placing two blocks end to end, in the middle of the compost bin. Leave gaps between the blocks. Add layers until it is the same height as the other blocks.
The back side and middle blocks can be secured with mortar if desired. Leave the front blocks loose so they can be removed. Put fresh compost waste in one side. When the compost is ready move it to the other side.
Compost piles can be a great way to make fertilizer for personal use and avoid adding chemicals to the vegetables the family will eat. The process is all natural and takes minimum work once the bin is in place and compost pile is underway.
Most homeowners have probably spent hours looking at the different types of garden seeders. You may have even come across…
When it comes to vehicle lovers, cleaning their cars on a regular basis is essential to maintaining the paint job's…
Gas chainsaws are the perfect tool for a variety of outdoor tasks, including chopping up logs for firewood, clearing brush…
A home can be a daunting project, one that takes some time and energy to maintain. With hard work, determination,…
Today ginger is grown all over tropical and subtropical regions in Asia, in parts of Africa and South America, and…
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the world, and growing onions is a snap in the home…