Many people are deciding that they would like to start their own compost heap for a variety of reasons. First, it cuts back on the amount of garbage that goes to a landfill. Second, after starting your compost heap, you will have a steady supply of nutrient rich soil for your garden or house plants. Compost soil is freshly created soil that is full of great nutrition for any plant. Third, people are simply looking for a way to green their life a little more for the sake of the environment. Truthfully, anyone can start a compost heap, even if you don’t have a huge yard. It doesn’t take much to build a compost bin and you will be able to tweak it however possible so that it fits into your life.
Building A Compost Bin: Where To Start
Choose a spot in your yard where you are going to want to begin composting materials. Keep in mind that your heap might get a little smelly when summer really heats up. Try to find a place that is shaded and, if possible, not upwind from any windows in your house.
- Measure that area carefully. The area you designate can be anywhere from two square feet to ten square feet. It is recommended that if you have a larger amount of space you section off that large space into several smaller spaces. That way you can alternate your compost and by the end of summer or early fall you will have a steady supply of nutrient rich soil.
- If you want to make several separate bins, you should have them all next to one another. When you begin composting, fill one bin at a time before moving to the next. By the time you get to the end of the line, your first bin will most likely be soil that is ready to be used.
- Go to any hardware store and get some wire mesh fencing. You should look for the kind that has very small openings so that your dirt won’t just fall out. Use wooden bracings for the side and secure them with a staple gun or nails. There should be no bottom to the container. The compost will deteriorate faster if it is plush with the ground. Also, you will be able to move it wherever you choose even after you begin composting. That could be helpful especially if it gets a little too smelly for the back yard.
- As you make your bin, make sure it is big enough that you will be able to get a shovel in there to churn the compost. This will effectively get the soil moving and quicken the compost process.
- If you choose, you can secure your compost bin to the side of a building so that it does not blow over.
- If you want to get creative with your compost, you could use all wood to make a shell and then put wire bracing over the top of the wood. Then, from the top create a roof that will shade it so that you can put it anywhere you want in your yard. The roof will keep the compost cool and shaded, but the wood will make it a little easier on the eyes.
- During the winter, make sure that your bin is protected from the elements. Perhaps bring the bin into your garage or, if you choose, make a bin that can withstand the elements so that you can reuse it every year.
- These types of bins will last for many years before they need to be replaced.
