How to make your own compost bin?
Do you know that food waste and yard leaves can be easily compostable rather than put in a plastic bag. The soil which produced from compost is rich in nutrients for your garden, or flower beds. Additionally, it is also much cheaper to make your own compost than to go to the garden store and buy it.
However, not all not everything can be put into a composting bin. Here is the main organic materials that can be composted:
- coffee grounds and filters
- fruits and vegetable scraps
- egg shells
- grass clippings
- leaves
- nut shells
- shredded newspapers
- fireplace ashes
In contrast don't put to your compost bin:
- meat and fish bones
- yard trimmings that have been treated with chemicals
- pet waste
- diseased plants
So how to make your own compost bin?
Step 1: Select your bin
Recycle or buy a box, metal container, garbage bin or bucket, where you want to compost. Consider it will need to be covered.
Step 2: Drill holes in your bin
Use a drill to make 10-12 small holes in the bottom of the container and to the sides for aeration.
Step 3: Create the base for composting
You can use shredded newspapers or any dry leaves or yard waste on the bottom of your compost bin, filling about 1/8 - 1/4 full.
Step 4: Add dirt
Place dirt on top of the leaves or shredded newspaper until is container is half full.
Step 5: Toss in your food scraps
Now place any food scraps or paper products or fire ashes that you would like to compost.
Step 6: Stir your compost
Stir your compost with a shovel or stick, making sure to cover all food scraps with the dirt.
Step 7: Cover and drill holes in the top
Use a drill to make 8-10 small holes in the lid and place it securely on top of the bin. These will help with air flow.
Step 8: Find a place for your compost bin
Place the bin in a shady area of the house. Be sure it is not in the sun otherwise your compost will dry out.
Step 9: Collect your compostables
When your bin is set up you can just add food scraps as you've got them, making sure to give things stir each time.