One of our big projects for this summer is to build a compost bin behind the building.  So in the spirit of getting motivated to take on such a task, I have been doing research and you know what that means….YOU get to learn all about it too!

You can go about this several ways; you could simple start a compost heap sans the bin, buy a compost bin from one the various storefronts/online stores out there, or you can build your own compost bin. We have chose to build our own in an effort not to create more waste than is necessary.

Reasons for Building a Compost Bin

We have chosen to build for many of the same reasons everyone else does: it’s cheaper than buying fertilizer and it’s better for your garden than store-bought fertilizer.  Store bought fertilizer can contain chemicals  and other man made materials where as in a compost heap it is strictly organic material.

I’m not the only one who thinks composting is great, here is what a you had to say on the subject from Twitter:

@LMAshton says, “I’m a firm believer in composting – environmentally responsible, less waste to landfill, nutrients back to soil, good for plants”

@Ms_Austen says, “compost bins are SO worth it & easy! Kids(&adults) amazed by rich, soft dirt (compost) that comes out. And SO many uses for it.”

* Something to keep in mind, do not throw meat or dairy into your compost heap. They do not break down correctly in the heap.

Placement of Compost Bin

The location of your compost bin is extremely important to the success of the composting.  Choose a shady, mostly level spot with good drainage to begin building your compost bin.  You should also try to position your bin close to a water source so that when the compost heap becomes too dry, you are able to water it down easily.

Here are the directions we are using, they come straight from the TrueValue website (which I love) and right now you can print a $5 off $25 purchase just for entering your zipcode and email address.

Building Your Compost Bin

Tools and Materials

Wood for the bin’s frame Wire mesh or wood for the bin’s walls Drill, screwdriver and screws to build frame Metal clippers for the mesh (if used) Metals hinges or latches for the removable wall Manure Fertilizer Pitchfork or shovel

Compost Bin Construction

Step 1.

Compost bins have three permanent walls and one that’s removable, allowing you to “turn,” or mix, the materials within the bin. Whether you use wire mesh or wooden slats for the walls, you must have aeration to speed the decomposition process, so don’t build anything airtight. And wherever in the bin you use wood, buy cedar or cypress, which will better resist the decaying effect from the bin’s contents.

Step 2.

Commonly, gardeners will build two bins with a shared middle wall: one bin to store already composted materials; the other for material that’s still composting. Bins tend to be three feet wide by three feet long, and three- to four-feet high. There’s no need for a top; moisture’s a good thing because it speeds decomposition.

Step 3.

Once you’ve built the bin, start by laying in a foot or so of material. You want a mix of fresh green stuff (lawn clippings, weeds, sod) and inert stuff (bone meal, sawdust, shredded paper). Next, put in a layer of manure or fertilizer, followed by an inch of topsoil. Repeat these layers until the bin is filled.

Step 4.

After about three weeks have passed, take that removable wall down and use a shovel or pitchfork to mix the material. Throw on some fertilizer. About two weeks later repeat the process. Forget to turn it? No problem, it will just take longer to decompose. If it seems too dry, just hose it down. Once it’s turned a uniform brown, crumbles to the touch and is nearly odorless, it’s all set for spreading.

Photo Credit: Nature Moms, who coincidentally have a great article about what goes in a compost heap.

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Posted in: Green Living

Tags: compost, gardening, green living

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 at 6:00 am and is filed under Green Living. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.