Homemade Compost Bins

The compost bins built in backyards or gardens, are generally 3 feet wide and 3 feet in length. The height of the bins can go upto 5 or 6 feet. The process of decomposition of organic matter that takes place in these bins, is aided with the chemical secretions produced by microbes. Thus, biodegradable material should be added in compost bins to obtain a rich organic fertilizer.

Homemade Compost Bins

Homemade compost bins are built with the help of concrete blocks, stacked lumber, wire & post, mesh wire or stacked poles. Though concrete blocks are expensive, the compost bins prepared from these blocks are long lasting. To accommodate many such bins adjacent to each other, these can have common walls between them. Stacked lumber or poles are also used to make compost bins. The composting bins that are built out of these materials are well-ventilated. A 2 inch by 4 inch mesh wire can also be used in building a compost bin. The bin prepared from wire is circular in shape, generally with a diameter of 36 inches.

Compost Turner

It is a tool used for mixing the compost. With the help of a compost turner, the fertilizer is kept well-aerated. The turner has to be plunged into the compost for proper mixing.

Compost Accelerator

A compost accelerator is a substance that enhances the decomposition of organic matter present in the compost fertilizer. A mixture containing 4 gallons of water and nitrogen fertilizer, should be prepared. The mixture should be allowed to 'sit' for a whole night. Chicken manure should be added to the mixture every two weeks. Worms can also be introduced to the mixture. It helps add an organic material, commonly referred to as 'castings', to the mixture. Comfrey, stinging nettles and seaweed should be added in order to enrich the compost with organic material. The accelerator when added to the compost present in the bin, produces a fine quality fertilizer in no time.

Material Used For Composting

The materials used for preparation of compost is mostly kitchen waste like vegetable scraps, peels obtained from fruits, garbage, etc. The wastes can either be stacked randomly in a compost bin or spread along with soil, in alternate layers. Earthworms, if introduced to the bin, help bring about a speedy decomposition of organic material.

The compost bins that are built at home should be easy to maintain. The bins should have a large opening in order to mix and turn the compost easily. Since the bins to be built are homemade, they need to have a simple structure and should be easy to maintain.