How to Make a Compost Bin
A compost bin can be made out of anything, and you can easily build one yourself with some wood, a hammer and nails.
You will need air ventilation on all sides to encourage efficient decomposition. The microbes within need air to survive. Otherwise, aerobic microbes die and anerobic microbes (those that do not breathe air) will be the main component. This means a slower and smellier pile. Turning the compost every few weeks will help aeriate the pile and allow it to decompose even faster. A compost tumbler is a neat invention where you simply turn the bin to help get oxygen to where it is needed.
New Zealand-style Compost Bin
To build a classic compost bin, try the New Zealand method. It is a wooden construction technically originally designed in Auckland. The technique encourages maximum air circulation and ventilation into the compost pile. The more ventilation, the better the composting microbes thrive, as they need oxygen to survive.
Start with four sturdy two-by-fours as posts and nail lattice boards or wood with gaps on the back and sides. Use removable boards in the front. Try six posts to make a double-bin. Line the bottom with a double row of bricks to encourage ventilation on the bottom. If you wish, cover the top with removable boards or even old carpet. A couple coats of linseed oil should be allowed to soak into the wood to make it weather and rot resistant.
Trash Can Composting
A trash can may be converted into a small compost bin, though the area may be too small for fast composting. However, it’s cheap and can be neatly tucked into a corner of the garden.
To discourage animals, the can should have a tight-fitting, preferably lockable lid. Poke holes around the lower half of the can for air. Add the usual composting materials, water it a bit, and cover. You should roll the can around or shake it to bring more oxygen to the center.
Another method is to cut out the bottom to let soil microbes and earthworms in. Dig a hole about six inches deep and bury that part of the can. Turn your pile with a garden tool to get oxygen inside. Viola, compost in a can!
A Hole in the Ground
For a slower but effective compost process, simply dig a hole, about three feet by two feet deep. Throw your kitchen or garden scraps into it, alternating with soil, and cover. This is great if you have a large garden with one section left fallow per year.
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