A composting bin is a useful addition to any garden or yard. Whether you want a small, low profile bin for your kitchen garden, or a full size industrial model for a greenhouse, there are models to suit your needs. If you have always wanted a composting bin but did not know where to start, these useful and affordable models are sure to help you get started. Built from recycled chicken wire and easy to assemble slatted lumber, this DIY compost bins have three compartments for dry, wet and composting compost in different stages of decomposition.
The simple slatted front gives easy access to the wet and dry compost, while the interlocking design of the three compartments allows for easy stacking. The three sections are supported by interlocking slats that lock in place for sturdiness and long-lasting storage. For added convenience, there are convenient drawers at the bottom to store all the waste, leaving you with less room to collect it and more room to create compost.
To assemble your DIY compost bins, all you need is one 12-inch wide by six-foot long by six-foot high bin that has been assembled and is sitting on four legs, with the opening on top of the box facing up. Attaching the lid to the unit is as easy as sliding a hose on and off the end of the unit. If you want, you can use hinges on the lid to make it easier to open and close.
To set up your bin, remove the legs and cover the opening with dirt and a weed barrier. If you want to make sure that all the material inside the unit is dry before you add your compost, place a layer of newspaper in the bottom of the pallets. When the weather gets hot, before you add your pallets of organic materials, move the newspaper around and make sure it is laid in an even layer. This will help you stack your pallets without any uneven or bumpy layers.
Some people choose to use cinder blocks as a means of constructing their DIY compost bins. These blocks are easy to handle because they come pre-drilled for easy access to the worms that will be working away at your garden. Cinder blocks are available in a variety of sizes, but if using them, be sure to stagger your purchases to prevent overcrowding. A couple pallets stacked on top of each other will hold about five pounds of organic materials. Some people prefer to have an additional two smaller pallets on hand for smaller amounts of organic materials.
Many people choose to go the all-natural route and construct their own home composting facility, called a worm composting barn, or “worm farm.” There are many kits that are available to build a small version of a worm compost bin on your own, including full instructions with diagrams for the entire process. Building a full-sized worm compost bin is not as difficult as you might think. You can find lots of information online on the best wood to use for your storage bin, how much room you need, and which type of plastic or metal is best to use to insulate your inside.
Other popular DIY compost bin ideas include building your own dairy tank, a worm farm, or building your own wheelbarrow. A dairy tank or worm farm will require less materials than a worm compost bin, and they also provide the benefits of being very easy to maintain. A wheelbarrow, on the other hand, is another good choice if you want something relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. Using a wheelbarrow will also allow you to easily move your food waste from one location to another, as it is large enough to do so. Lidarators, which are like wheelbarrows, are sometimes used as a source of food waste disposal, although they aren’t quite as efficient.
In general, a DIY project is easier than purchasing pre-made compost bins or lids, as it only takes a little time and some effort to set up. Since you won’t have to pay someone to install the lid, this takes away the cost of labor. Although the cost may be a bit higher than buying the items you’d like to use in your homemade compost bin, the time you save will more than make up for the extra expense. If you’re ready to get started with building your own backyard compost, start looking for plans online today.