Sunday, May 3, 2009

A Guide to Building a Compost Bin

It takes just fifteen minutes of time to build a compost bin for your backyard. You would be more than surprised to know how easy and convenient it is to building a compost bin and that too in a short period. You can also make compost pile and get your compost in your apartment without any backyard. So, now your plants can enjoy homemade and extremely nutritious compost for your plants.

Here are steps involved in building a compost bin:

  • Step 1: Recycle or purchase a pail or bin that has a tight fitting lid of about 24 inches tall or in taller. Your pail would also require a lid in order to keep all the critters out and to keep the soil's moisture intact.
  • Step 2: Make eight to ten small holes with a drill in the bottom of your container. This will help in aeration. You may also drill some holes on the sides and walls of the bin, if necessary.
  • Step 3: It is important to place the compost bin in a shady area. The area should be far away from your home. In case you live in an apartment and have no backyard, it would be wise to place your bin on the patio. Make sure the compost is not exposed in full sun. This will dry out your compost.
  • Step 4: You must place some shredded newspaper or dried leaves on the compost bin's bottom. You may fill it to 1/8 - full.
  • Step 5: The dirt from your garden should be placed on top of the newspaper until the compost is filled to half.
  • Step 6: You may place all grape stems, coffee grounds and onionskins.
  • Step 7: Stir the compost a little with the help of a shovel. Make sure that you cover all your food scraps with dirt.
  • Step 8: Spray the components with lukewarm water until it gets moist. Do not soak it wet.
  • Step 9: Make about eight to ten small holes on the lid of the bin.
  • Step 10: Place lid on compost every day. Make sure you stir each time you add food scraps to the bin.
  • Step 11: Place a lid on compost and wait for about two to three months in order to use your compost. Compost can be ideally used as much in order to cover flowerbeds. These can also be used to pot soil and even sprinkled over your grass to serve as a lawn conditioner.

Some tips and warnings:

One of the most common problems you may face with a compost is its' smell. In case, your compost starts smelling strong, it may be due to extra water. Ensure that you stop adding extra scraps for a few day and drill more holes if necessary.

The bin needs to be moist all the time. Fruit flies can be a great problem so make sure your compost bin is far away from your house. This is the basic guide to building a compost bin.

Composting has been gaining in popularity for many years now. How to building a compost bin is a question we get asked quite often. We are advocates for protecting the environment and giving back to the earth. Visit our site today for more information on composting.

http://www.compostingforfun.com/

By D. Karlson

Exterior Wood Beams

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