it’s possible for you to easily spend over $100 on a retail composter.
It is an easy project that will give you finished compost in about three months.
Keep reading to see how to make a compost bin with this beginner-friendly and affordable project.
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The bins should be no smaller than 18 gallons, and one must have a lid.
The second bin is helpful to catch the liquid that leaches out of the first bin.
This nutrient-filled liquid can be used as a fertilizer, called “compost tea,” in the garden.
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Prepare the Bins
You must have air circulating around your compost to help it decompose faster.
To provide this, drill holes throughout the containers.
Space holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the containers.
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Also, drill holes in the bottom of the top bin that will nest inside the bottom bin.
It doesn’t matter what size drill bit you use.
Thanks to its small size, it should fit on mostpatios, porches, or balconies.
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Consider putting it outside the door nearest to the kitchen, so you could easily compost kitchen scraps.
It can also go inside a garage orstorage shedif you’d rather not look at the composter.
Otherwise, the compost might freeze, and decomposition will temporarily stop.
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Whatever you add to your composter should be chopped fairly small, so it will break down quicker.
Chop fruit and vegetable trimmings with a knife or by running them through a blender or food processor.
Maintain the Bin
Every day or so, aerate the bin by giving it a quick shake.
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If the contents are very dry, use a spray bottle to moisten them.
Or add several moisture-rich items, such as fruits or veggies that are past their prime.
Weed seeds are effectively killed if your composter generates good heat.
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Harvest and Use the Compost
The compost should be ready for use after roughly three months.
Any large pieces that still need to decompose can go back into the bin.
Compost naturally generates heat, but there should be no unpleasant odor.
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If your compost feels warm, this is a good sign that the composting is occurring efficiently.
Adding green materialsgrass clippings, vegetable scraps, etc.can improve the moisture content and add nitrogen.
These can develop pathogens as they decompose in the compost bin, causing odors that attractrodentsand other pests.
For the same reason, never add solid waste from pets.
To turn the compost easily, give the bin a shake every one to three days.
This blends in air and distributes moisture, creating the perfect environment for the materials to decompose.
Chicken wire is also another good, budget-friendly option.
Potting mix or mulch will serve as a first layer before adding other materials.
