Compost is a great way to enrich the soil in your garden and recycle kitchen and yard waste at the same time. You could simply make a big pile of yard waste and kitchen scraps, and they would eventually decompose and become compost. While this method is simple, an open compost pile can attract pests and the neighbors may consider it unsightly. A wooden compost bin will speed up the composting process, discourage pests, and hide the entire process behind a decorative facade. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Build A Wooden Compost Bin
1. Choose a convenient spot near the garden for your compost bin. The ground should be level and solid.
2. Lay one pallet, slats facing up, on the ground in your chosen spot. This will be the bottom of your compost bin.
3. Stand one pallet upright on top of the bottom one, slats facing outward. Brace the side pallet upright while you nail it to the bottom.
4. Repeat with two of the remaining sides. They should fit snugly together.
5. Nail the three sides to each other to give the bin stability.
6. Use the hinges to affix the fourth side to the bin. Install the gate latch according to the manufacturer's instructions. The fourth side will act as a gate to allow you to remove the finished compost.
7. Paint the compost bin if desired. Be sure to paint only the outside of the bin, as chemicals in the paint can leach into the compost if the inside is painted. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding compost materials.
8. Fill the bin with layers of yard waste, such as grass trimmings, small sticks and dry leaves. Alternate with layers of kitchen scraps such as vegetable trimmings, dry bread, crushed egg shells, and fruit peels.
Tags: yard waste, fourth side, kitchen scraps, pallet upright, slats facing, with layers