How To Build A Compost Bin At Home? (Simple And Easy Steps)

Precautions To Build A Compost Bin

A compost bin serves as a storage box for your compost. In fact, you should make it with simple materials that are not necessarily expensive. This article will explain the step-by-step methods to build a compost bin, the various kinds of a compost bin, the tools /equipment needed to create a compost bin, and more.

Furthermore, a compost bin is made to get some sunlight to heat it and help with the composting process. Hence, the composting process will speed up if you can ensure that you place an equal blend of green and brown waste matter together on the pile. This way, the stack will heat up more quickly than by adding little bits of waste material to it.

Steps To Build A Compost Bin

1. Choosing location or site

• The first step in building a compost bin Is determining the location of your composting bin. Indeed, you can pick an area closer to your garden or backyard.
• If you must put your compost bin on concrete or paving, ensure there’s a layer of paper and twigs or already made compost beneath it.
• Select a place where the composter can easily add ingredients to the bin and where you can bring out the compost conveniently.

2. Proper Selection Of Compost Bin

Various types of containers are suitable for composting, depending on your size and purpose.

Equipment/Tools Needed

• Hammer
• Hand gloves
• Drill and bits
• Wire cutters
• Bungee cord
• Chicken wire
• Garden stakes
• A garbage bag
• Gardening shear
• Saw or utility knife
• Garden fork or shove
• Wood (weather-resistant or rot-resistant lumber)
• Plastic storage bin (depending on the choice of specification)

The Layers Of Compost Bin

• The first layer of the compost bin, known as the woody layer, includes small sticks, twigs from trees, and dried leaf stalks.
• The second layer is the brown layer or carbon layer. This compost bin layer consists of dry vegetation such; as leaves, untreated straw, or dried grasses.
• The third layer consists of green vegetation such as; weeds, grasses, waste from food scraps, and even coffee grounds.
• The final layer of the composting bin is soil.

The Different Types Of Bins

A. Closed Bins

These are also called composters options for small gardens. Indeed, it is necessary to ensure that you do not put a container or a tumbler in the sun throughout the day. Hence, the rise in the temperature can kill or inhibit the activity of the microbes.

B. Open Bins

It uses wire, wood slats, pallets, concrete blocks, or straw bales is another method. Moreover, they are often set up in three compartments, allowing several stages of decomposition. Also, turning each from time to time helps to speed the breakdown process. More preferably, it would be best if you sited your compost bin in a suitable sunny.

Additionally, compost containers on the soil make it very easy for beneficial microbes and insects to access the perishable material. Hence, it also permits for better aeration and drainage of excess moisture, both important for successful composting.

Types Of Open Bin

a.) On Wire Mesh

In using a wire mesh, the composter will dig a hole of about one inch deep. Which is the same as the diameter of the bin. Then the composter should place a piece of wire mesh with a slightly larger diameter than the base of your container below the dug hole.

b.) On Paving 

The best method for paved or courtyard gardens on paving is to remove the paving below the compost bin. Hence, there are little things to consider. In addition, some liquid might seep out from the container’s bottom and stain the paving below the box and sometimes around it. Due to staining that might arise, it is necessary to consider constructing a small raised bed filled with soil to place the compost bin.

Moreover, the soil in the raised bed should contain some moisture. There is a need to teach the soil-dwelling organisms manually by simply adding a shovelful or two of soil to the bottom of the bin or adding some already prepared compost.

c.) On Decking

It is similar to paving. A compost bin should not be put directly onto a deck as the liquid that sometimes flows out of the container might likely stain it. The only real solution here is to build a raised bed directly on top of the deck (just like on pavings) Deckboards can be used to create your raised bed so that it fits perfectly to the deck.

Furthermore, this Gardner or composter should seal the deck boards under the bed with a decking seal, the bottom of the raised bed should also be lined with plastic to protect the deck boards underneath it, and some drainage holes should be cut or drilled through the plastic where there are spaces in between the deck boards. Finally, the Gardner or composter should fill the raised bed with soil to prevent water seepage.

d.) On Gravel

The Gardner can quickly put a bin onto the rock. First, they should lay a membrane underneath the stone. Then a hole is cut out so that the beneficial soil microbes can pass through into the compost.

e.) On Concrete 

If the bin is placed on concrete, it is necessary to add a thin layer of soil under it as this will help attract worms and other beneficial organisms. 

Key Points To Build A Compost Bin

You need to ensure adequate ventilation of the pile to release excess heat. Also, turn the heap using a garden fork to provide ventilation. Stacks that are narrow and short tend to have adequate ventilation. Another vital point is the use of a thermometer to check the temperature is critical. Additionally, the composter can minimize high temperature by removing at least a quarter of the pile, adding more water to the heap, and mixing larger particles into the stack.

Moreover, avoid turning a pile that is too hot as this could cause a fire. Also, do not let the heaps get too dry. Monitor the pile’s temperature from time to time, focusing on the hottest spot in the heap. Do not let the compost stack get too heated. A precautionary measure is to avoid composting close to places with a high chance of the pile’s inflammability.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to compost bins, and they extend beyond your backyard. Hence, it keeps unwanted animals and rodents away from contaminating the compost. It is a controlled system for making compost, ensuring sufficient air, moisture, and soil microbes within the compost. Additionally, it is a terrific technique to limit the amount of trash that you send to the landfill in addition to producing excellent fertilizer for your garden and grass.

What further methods do you know for constructing a compost bin? Post a comment below with your ideas!