Why build a compost bin?
Types of compost bin
Choose the best compost bin for you
A holding unit is a small composting box that can be used in an apartment or confined space. Note that composting takes longer in holding units, as they tend not to get as much air flow as other types of boxes.
Another type of composting bin is a portable bin, which is similar to a holding unit, but can be dismantled. You can purchase this type of composting bin at the hardware store in the form of a plastic bin. Some people choose to build them with wood and wire fence material.Another type of composting bin is called a turning unit. If you want to make compost quickly, try making compost using a turning unit. Turning units incorporate more air flow into the process of composting, so composting with a turning unit is often faster than other types of bins. Note that a turning unit might be hard to build.
There are various other types of composting bins you can build. These types of bins include brick bins, basically a square set of brick walls without mortar (to allow compost to breathe); a rotating barrel, which can be constructed using old metal barrels; rotating bins, which work best for people who want to compost yard waste; wooden palette bins; and snow fence bins.
Compost heap or pile
Composting without a bin
Further alternatives include sheet composting and trench composting. Again, these can be accomplished without a bin.
Compost bin plans
Plans for building a compost bin
Plans include what kind of bin you want, what materials you need, and how much material you need.
The easiest way to build a bin is by getting some chicken wire and making a circular structure. You can figure out how much wire you need by measuring the diameter of your compost heap, then multiplying that number by pi, or 3.14 for short. That's how much fencing you need.
Next, find the location that you want your compost heap located at, then build the mesh fence around that point, securing it with zip ties or metal snaps. Some people recommend pounding a wood stake into the center of the area to support your compost pile once it starts getting big.
Ventilation
Airflow is vital for good composting
Composting Without a Bin
Revolutionary new way to compost
What else are people saying about composting?
It's such a fascinating subject!
- An interesting take on compost
- Lots of people don't like all the fuss and mess of composting. Here's someone that found a totally new way of doing it --- and it works!
- My lens on making compost tea
- Tea can go where traditional compost can't go, and can do wonders for the leaves of your plants, etc.
What do you think of my lens?
Tell me what else I should add
I'd like to make my lens as helpful as possible to folks who want to know how to build a compost bin. If there's something you think I should add, please leave me a comment and I'll do my best to get it up there!
Euryale wrote...
Lens in the Green Thumb are required to have pictures in the intro module. As this lens was part of the compost contest, it's clear it used to have an image, but since it does not now, it's being booted from the group.
Euryale wrote...
Since the number of lenses in the Green Thumb has grown into a huge steaming pile, I've decided to hold a lens challenge to determine the best. I don't think the group needs every lens on compost as much as it would benefit from just having the best ones.
The Challenge runs from now through the end of March. Promote those lenses and on April 1st, the top three compost and compost-related lenses (as determined by lensrank) will get to stay in the group and the others will be booted.
I'm sorry if anyone thinks I'm being mean, but I believe that gardens needs the best and healthiest plants and biodiversity, and so do lens Groups.
Good luck and may the best compost lenses win!
- Euryale
Blog Posts from Google
What's on the Web about composting?
- Compost A to Z: A Complete Composting Guide - Gaiam Life
- Your complete guide to all things composting, including what type of composter and method to use, ho...
- Municipalities mulch into compost season - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
- For a directory of composting sites in Allegheny County and across the state, many of which offer fr...
- Composting is Cool | Greenopolis
- Compost is cool. There I said it. As we look at ways to reduce our waste stream, composting should r...
- May Dreams Gardens: More Thoughts On Composting
- More Thoughts On Composting. Can be more be said on the subject of compost? Apparently yes, more can...
by JessicaTheGardeningNut
Hello! My name is Jessica Madden and I'm a gardening nut!
Although I've been at this for years, I don't consider myself an expert. However, I do know a...
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