In a prior article we talked about composting; the aerobic decomposition (or decaying) of biodegradable organic matter, producing compost (a gardener’s best friend). But to compost you need a place to put your organic matter, better known as a compost bin. Below are some ideas, from the very simple to the very elaborate, to get you started on your very own composting adventure.
- You can put your organic matter in a pile (much like a pile of leaves) and turn over or stir every time you add organic matter. This is the most simple method best suited for those who have a lot of space and don’t care how it looks as the pile will not be contained.
- You can make a two to three foot circle with chicken wire, or another sturdy sheet type wire, and do the same as above. This contains the pile, but makes turning it a little more difficult. You can unhook the circle to turn, but it can become difficult to close the circle again as the pile will spread.
- You can purchase a compost bin. These come in all shapes and sizes. The benefit is that they are usually a closed system which makes for quick decomposition. The downside is that they can be expensive. We’ll do a feature on these compost bins at a later date.
- You can make your own, and this is where it gets interesting. We’ve seen home made compost bins range from cinder block three sided squares to fancy 3 bin cedar wood-with removable fronts. It really depends on your needs and aesthetics. We opted for a three bin system made from recycled shipping pallets we picked up for free at our local transfer station. (Always be sure to choose non-treated wood).
We used seven pallets total standing up. One on each end, three in the back, and two in the middle forming an E with an extra ½ an E on the end. We could of used pallets on the bottom as well but chose to put our organic matter straight on the ground. The pallets are simply tied together at the corners with rope.
A three bin system is perfect if you have the space. Bin one is for new scraps, bin two is for partially decomposed scraps, and bin three is for finished compost. If you are consistent in adding material and turning the pile, you are rewarded with nutrient rich soil for your garden beds, pots, or even your lawn-in a short period of time. And don’t forget that composting is good for the environment.
What sort of compost system do you have going? Let us know if our comments section below or visit our forum and share your compost bin plans.
