Compost Bin

**cheriede** · 03-08-2009, 03:14 PM

I am needing to redesign my compost bin. I made one using a trash can with the holes. By the end of the summer last year, I ditched the trash can and just started throwing things in a pile. The trash can just became way too small for the amount that we compost. So, I'm looking to either build something bigger or purchase one. I would appreciate any recommendations you may have. If you purchased one, I would like to know where you bought it. Thanks so much!

**Debbie-cat** · 03-08-2009, 03:30 PM

I am going to use pallets. I found a design using 5 pallets (get for free from some businesses) Use one for the floor and four for the sides. I am going to give it a try. It sounds like it would work well.

**boysnberries** · 03-08-2009, 07:21 PM

Check with your town to see if they have them available for free or reduced rates. Our town had them at reduced rates, but were out already. I called the neighboring town, and they gave one to me even though I wasn't a resident.

Good luck!

**dinah** · 03-08-2009, 07:37 PM

we bought our compost bin from the city. it was about $30 and it is quite large. we've had it about 9 months and it's still not full (although we just do table scraps and leaves/grass cuttings.

putting the compost in a pile works just fine...it's just not as fast using a bin.

**RetiredVeryEarly** · 03-08-2009, 08:07 PM

Pallets are what I would recommend, but not 5 for one bin. Use 3 and make a shape like |_| (pretend you are looking down from above). If you have 5 that makes for a nice double bin. One sits and composts while you fill up the other. Like this |_|_| with the front sides open for easy adding and stirring\mixing. If you have all the sides enclosed it is hard to access or mix it ever. I would not recommend putting one on the bottom. First of all, you will have your best compost fall down into the bottom one, and if weeds grow there they will be almost impossible to get out. Also, the microbes from soil help to make the compost rot faster, so it is preferred that it sits on the ground directly or at least close to it.

Pallets make a great bin because as the wood weathers it looks nice and sort of fence like. Ideally have the main slats running up and down for a nicer appearance. Best of all they are generally free in any area, just need a few screws or nails to hold them together.

**Debbie-cat** · 03-08-2009, 08:12 PM

Thanks for the explanation retiredveryearly! I like your idea better and it uses less pallets!

**Grainlady** · 03-08-2009, 09:16 PM

I have a tumbling composter. Best way to keep the wildlife (skunks love a free buffet) out of it!!! www.compostumbler.com

**Jilly** · 03-09-2009, 10:32 AM

I've been wanting to start a bin for a while. Does anyone know if HD gives pallets for free, or approx. what do they cost?

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-09-2009, 03:19 PM

I'm using a wire circle bin right now. Fill it up during the year, each spring we flip the uncomposted half off the top and start a new pile next to the old one.

I want to build one of these 3-section bins from this website: http://www.kitchengardeners.org/2007...mpost_bin.html

**suki** · 03-10-2009, 01:08 PM

We've done several things...
just pile in the yard
pile in a pen made of cedar logs (we still do this)
use a composting tumbler (we take the pile and put in the tumbler to speed the process when we need it.)
Really, it doesn't have to be anything other than an area to place it. Direct contact with the ground provides us the best compost... with worms and many micro-organisms which are beneficial to the garden. This is why we still use the pen plus the tumbler. Of course, we create and use a lot of compost each year.

Don't forget to put your coffee grounds in there... or you can put them directly into your garden. While slightly acidic... it's great stuff.

Also, get your soil tested to see how it needs to be amended. Even with compost, you may need to add other nutrients.

**Gardengal18** · 03-10-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Grainlady

I have a tumbling composter. Best way to keep the wildlife (skunks love a free buffet) out of it!!! www.compostumbler.com

Funny, I was just going to mention something like this. Saw this at the Philadelphia Flower Show last week. The Show price if I remember correctly was $250.

**suki** · 03-10-2009, 01:33 PM

We got our tumbler free... check the local ads.

**Gardengal18** · 03-10-2009, 02:13 PM

FREE is definitely Better! Unfortunately, around here I haven't seen an offer for a Free one yet.

**suki** · 03-10-2009, 02:23 PM

LOL... yep, we did get lucky. But as simple as it is, I would never have paid $250 for it. It's a barrel with a door and cogs on the end that fit into the stand and your turn it like a giant gear apparatus... not that complex. I suppose you could get a barrel and let the kids roll it around the yard for less money and more entertainment!