How to Build a Super Simple DIY Compost Bin
Composting is a gardener’s dream. It regenerates poor soil by encouraging the production of beneficial microorganisms, creating rich, nutrient-filled material. Additionally, composting organic materials means they’re diverted from landfills, which reduces the production of methane. Not to mention that using compost is good on an economic front because it reduces the need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides. It’s the perfect meal for your organic garden and you can get started on the cheap with this super simple DIY compost bin.
What You’ll Need:
- Large plastic storage container that holds at least 18 gallons
- Lid that fits on top to keep animals out. If you have two lids it’s even better because you can use one to lock off the bin and another to catch leakage.
- Drill and drill bits
Directions
1. Using your drill, make holes on all sides of the bin, as many as are needed for air to circulate throughout. But make sure that the holes aren’t so big that rodents can get into your compost bin.
2. Your compost bin should be 1/3 green matter (fruits, vegetables, other compostable materials.) and 2/3 brown matter (dried leaves etc.) This allows enough oxygen to circulate through your bin to nourish the organisms that reside there and properly breakdown materials.
Tips
- Not sure what you can compost? Everything from coffee grounds to tea bags, fruit and vegetable waste, wine corks, and everything in between. Here’s a list of more items that can be added to your brand new compost bin.
- Don’t compost meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, grease, or animal bones.
- Turn the material in your compost bin using a pitchfork every few weeks to keep things aerating.
Related on Organic Authority
Eat it All or Compost It: Big Apple to Embrace Food Recycling
Plant Food for Your Garden: How to Make Layered Compost
3 Surprising Composting Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Image: Susan A. Secretariat
