How to Build a Compost Bin

If you want the benefits of organic compost in your garden, but aren’t ready to take on a commercial compost bin, you can simply build your own by using simple items you might already have laying around the house or garage.

Arrange the Bin

Your first step will be to actually find the bin for your compost. This is as easy as finding a trashcan no longer in use and cleaning it thoroughly. You need a canister or bin that is at least two feet tall that has a lid to help keep the soil moist.

Drill Aeration Holes

Using a drill, put eight or ten holes in the bottom of the bin. You can put a few holes around the sides of the bin at the bottom as well as necessary.

Find a Shady Spot

Your compost bin will need to sit in a shady spot. If you leave it in the full sun, the compost will dry out and no longer be particularly useful. A shady corner of the yard or even the patio of your condo or apartment is fine.

Create Compost

To start your compost collection, you’ll need to shred some newspaper and place it at the bottom of your newly created bin. You can also use dry leaves for this purpose. After filling your bin up to ¼ with this material, add dirt from your garden on top of the newspaper making the bin half full. Cover your bin with the lid and as you have paper products or certain food scraps, you can add them to the compost. These items include paper towels, egg shells and plant products.

Easy Step By Step

• Clean out an old trashcan that still has a lid or buy a new one.
• Drill 8-10 holes in the bottom of the can for aeration.
• Place the bin in a shady spot.
• Layer newspaper, dry leaves, dirt and then household waste to begin creating your own compost.

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions

If possible, elevate your compost bin by placing it on pavers or other large rocks. This will help the air to circulate more thoroughly.

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