A compost bin is where different composting materials are placed so that they may be able to accumulate heat faster. It should be the right size so that you can easily maneuver the compost with a shovel tome promote aeration or oxygenation, which promotes the faster decay of the composts. The is placed out-doors and should be covered in case of rain, since too much water input would drastically lower the temperature, slowing down the process of decomposition
A typical high-end compost bin can be bought for hundreds of dollars. This may be convenient for people who can afford this extra expense, but all you really need is a bin and some other materials. These are the steps to building your own affordable compost bin:
Gather the Equipment
Composting materials for backyard composting are relatively cheap with respect to the already built top of the class composter, which will around $200. The equipment that you will be using for making your own compost bin is as follow
- Plastic Bin – This will be the container in which you do your composting. It should be 20 gallons or more for composting big amounts of material. It should also have a cover. The bin should be big enough so that a shovel can maneuver easily
- Drill – This is used to drill holes into the plastic bin to promote aeration. An alternative to this is a nail and hammer.
- Sharp Drilling Bits – Used alongside the drill, sharp drilling bits is essential if you want to put holes in your bin with ease
- Kitchen Wastes – Segregated kitchen wastes are the main part of composting. Kitchen wastes are classified as follows
- Green – Grass cuttings, the skin of fruits, eggshells, vegetarian animal manure, coffee/tea grounds
- Brown – Dried leaves, tree branches, paper (no colored papers), cotton
- Shovel – this is used to turn compost pit to promote aeration.
- Watering Can or Water Hose – helps with the maintenance of the overall moisture of the bin.
Prepare a Plastic Container
After getting all the materials you need for composting; you are now ready to begin the process. Take the bin outside (or somewhere where you can be messy) and start to put holes in it. Make sure that the holes aren’t big enough so that the compost can’t get out of the bin.
Make sure that your compost bin has a lid. Put a catcher (a second lid will do) beneath your bin so that you can collect the excess water that your compost does not need. This water (Compost Tea) is already filled with nutrients that you can use to water your plants.
Put the Bin in an Optimal Location
After Preparing your plastic container, you are now ready to place it in an accessible location. Make sure that the position of your plastic bin is close to a water source so that watering it would not be a difficult task.
Ideally, if you can put it in your yard next to the hose, but if you do not have the luxury of owning a yard, the bin can also be placed on your porch or even inside the kitchen. Just remember to be careful with handling the bin inside the house since it can be a very smelly mess.
Put Your Composting Material in the Bin
Now before you put random amounts of greens and browns in your compost pit, you need to know what each contributes to your compost. Greens supply nitrogen, which is important for plant growth, photosynthesis, and the production of chlorophyll. But excess nitrogen can be toxic for the plants. Browns bring in carbon, which is used to release nutrients and promote the health of the soil. Carbon also is the first line of protection against harmful substances.
To fasten the decaying process, ensuring that you put in the right proportion of greens and browns is a must. A ratio of 1:1 is ideal so that you do not have too much carbon, and you do not have too much nitrogen.
Remember to maintain your compost. Water it when the moisture is not enough. Toss the materials inside the bin every now and then to promote the flow of oxygen. If the contents of your bin start to smell, you can add leaves or newspapers to remove the excess moisture, which causes the smell.
After a month or two, you will start to see the product of your composting. Use this nutrient-filled material as a natural fertilizer for your flowerpots and your garden. Remember that compost is not soil; this is only an additive to the soil, which helps promotes the growth of your plants. With a bit of composting, not only did you lessen the waste production you contribute to landfills, but you also improved the health of your plants in your garden.
Bio :
Alex is a full time blogger at Disposal Answers where he publish useful tips and information about garbage disposals, composting and waste management in general to reach, help and educate more people about the importance of being eco-friendly.