Bin Compost
Bin Compost
Composting is Good for Everyone
Compost is good for the garden and great for the environment. When kitchen scraps end up in landfills, they give off methane gas, which is bad for the environment. When used in the garden, compost adds nutrients to the soil that your plants need to be as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, it will probably not give them everything they need, so you will need to augment your compost with Organic Fertilizer such as fish emulsion or kelp that can be found at your garden store.
Buying or Building a Compost Bin
If you are handy and like to build things, you may want to build your own compost bin. There are probably some fine plans for building a bin like this online. Otherwise, buying a compost bin such as the Earth Machine, which is what I have, will work great, too. Some cities actually provide free compost bins to residents because it helps cut down on the amount of trash that goes into landfills. The location that you choose for your compost bin may have an impact on how fast your compost happens. Compost will generally happen faster in a sunnier location.
Getting Your Compost On!
Once you get your compost bin set up, you can either follow the directions that come with the bin if you purchased one, or start with 4 to 6 inches of "brown" material, such as dead leaves or straw. Then you can begin incorporating "green material" in the form of kitchen scraps such as eggshells, fruit and vegetable scraps, rice, pasta, teabags, coffee grounds, and houseplant cuttings. Do not put meat, bones, or other animal parts into your compost pile. Also, do not put any diseased plant matter from your backyard into the pile. Whenever you add green material to the pile, be sure to add some brown material and give the pile a stir to incorporate the additions into the pile.
Turning the Pile
To insure that your compost is running at maximum efficiency, you will want to turn the pile frequently. How often you turn your pile depends on how fast you want to produce compost for your garden. Some people turn the pile every 7 to 10 days, while some turn it once a month. Figure out what is best for you and plan accordingly. Turning the pile more frequently will produce faster results. Also, if the compost pile is dry, you should add some water to moisten it. If it seems overly wet, try to increase ventilation to dry it. The Earth Machine has a lid with ventilation control that allows you to control airflow to interior of the compost bin.
Compost Tea & Compost Starter
You can find recipes for a compost activating tea online or buy a compost starter at your local garden store that will activate your compost pile faster.
Using Compost
Once you have created your compost, you can either dig it into your garden soil if you are doing a fresh planting, or spread it on top of the soil around your plants. This will benefit your soil and your plants.
Even if you do not use the compost in your garden, you will be doing a service to the environment by putting less garbage in the form of food scraps into the landfills. Your compost pile will keep breaking down even if you do not remove the compost for garden use, so you don't need to worry about it filling up.
About the Author
Mark Perlik is a licensed acupuncturist in California. He appreciates and respects the power of fresh herbs used in cooking and as medicine. He has created http://www.mygrowingherbs.com to help others who are interested in growing herbs to find information and resources on how to grow herbs.
How is vermicomposting any better than just having a compost bin with worms in it?
I have been entertaining the idea of doing the red worm composting thing then got to thinking that I already have a compost bin with worms in it. How is it different in terms of benefits?
if you have a contained vericompost, you get to use the 'tea' and the castings where and how you wish... and you could even give or sell some..... in your compost pile, you get the same, but you can't separate it out.....
it's also not got to be so big...... a good compost pile needs to be about three ft square.... a goodly vermi- can be in a rubbermaid box that fits about anywhere!....
Bin Compost
Compost bins made of pallets - How to
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Compost Bin $403 -Durability, versatility, reliability and quality--these are the cornerstones of Dura-Trel. -Maintenance-free enhancement that can help transform the outdoors from average to outstanding. -Assemble by fastening screws using cordless drill with Phillips bit. -No cutting or drilling required. -Easy assembly, all parts pre-cut and pre-drilled. -Made from maintenance free PVC that not crack, fade, peel or discolor. -20 Year Manufacturer Warranty -Made in USA -Composting Dimensions: 32" Square x 36" H. -Outside Dimensions: 36" Square x 36" H |
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Compost $14.99 Compost |
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Kitchen Compost Bin with Filter Lid $22.89 Organic composting offers many benefits, such as reducing waste headed from your home to the landfill. This kitchen compost pail is a handy, portable compost carrier that's perfect for short-term storage of kitchen compost. A special feature on this plastic compost bin is the optional carbon filter, which helps to eliminate odors caused by composting materials. With a wide opening, it's easy to clean off dishes directly into the compost bin. All of the corners and edges are rounded so that it is simple to clean and empty, in addition to being dishwasher safe. The compost pail can also hang on a wall or cupboard door by way of two screw holes in the back. Constructed from HDPE in a well-suited Green finish. Replacement carbon filters are available! Order a pack of three carbon filters. Each filter lasts up to three months! This item ships directly from Stacks and Stacks. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. |
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Bosmere Incorporated BOSK765 30Wire Compost Bin $62.52 Start being green with the Bosmere Wire Compost Bin. Made out of coated sturdy steel wire and easy to assemble this compost bin holds up to 18 cu ft. Compost bin. Coated sturdy steel wire. Easy to assemble. Durable construction. Holds up to 18 cu ft of compost. Size: 36 H x 30 D. Made in China. |
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Presto Products Geobin GeoBin Compost Bin GKL09516 $51.08 Lightweight rugged plastic bin creates an instant compost system. Ventilating holes admit air and moisture. Fast and easy to assemble. Holds compost neatly in place. Retains heat and moisture for faster decomposing. Creates rich garden soil helps reduce landfill waste. Adjustable to over 3 in diameter |
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Black Plastic Garden Compost Bin $267 -Made out of recycled polypropylene -It can be easily erected without tools and will hold up to 11 cubic feet of compost -Stands 40 inches high by 23 inches by 23 inches. -It has an easy access lid, adjustable air vents, and sliding bottom door. |
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Garden Compost Bin . Recycled Plastic. Black $165 Garden Compost Bin Composting Made Easy A black plastic Compost Bin made out of recycled polypropylene. It is easily assembled without tools and will hold up to 11 cubic feet of compost. It stands 40 inches high and is 23 inches square. It has an easy access lid, adjustable air vents and a sliding bottom door for accessing the finished compost. Length: 23 Inch Width: 23 Inch Height: 40 Inch Ships Quickly! A Bosmere Design The Bosmere group has been established in the world of Home, Garden, and Leisure for over 25 years. It has been established in North America for over 15 years and serves Canada and Central and South America, as well. Bosmere is well known for quality products that include ample instructions and superior customer service. |
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Compost Bin and Base-12 Cu Ft $252.95 Compost Wizard Save Money and Resources by Composting In the world of composters, you have two basic choices: Bins and Tumblers. Bins typically hold more than tumblers but must be aerated constantly. Tumblers aerate easily but usually don't hold as much material. The Compost Wizard resolves both of these short comings. Its massive drum is one of the largest on the market. Handholds allow you to get a grip to optimize your torque unlike complex, crank-driven systems that are clunky and break overtime. The composter's low profile keeps it from blowing over in high winds, helps keep it out of sight, and makes it convenient for loading and unloading material. A common problem with all composters is that you must transport material across the yard which can be heavy. The drum can be leveraged off of the base and rolled to your desired location: No heavy lifting! And the 16" twist lid makes access very easy while also sealing in precious compost tea and keeping out animals. Fresh compost can be made in just 14 days and you only have to turn it once a week or after addition of new material. And to make things easier, it comes completely assembled so you can start composting immediately. Special Features Made of durable 100% recycled polyethylene plastic and is resistant to fading Black color absorbs heat for fast composting Holds up to 12 cubic feet of compost Rotate once a week - That's it! 16-inch twist-off lid for easy access and security End air vents create essential ventilation Can be rolled to any location for filling or dispensing Wheeled base makes turning effortless and is completely detachable Delivers fully assembled Dimensions: 36L x 29W x 29H inches; Just over 20lbs. 1-Year limited manufacturer warranty Low Price Guarantee Good Ideas, Inc. is a growing company producing purposeful, American made, rotationally molded, goods. Their mission is to provide gardeners with high quality products that will better their lives while providing employment opportunities for the people in their community, local and beyond. They are located in Lake City, PA and are comprised of diligent and hard-working individuals whose daily goal is to provide the best service and support possible. Please join Garden.com in supporting an American company committed to quality products and environmental and professional responsibility. |
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JR Compost Bin and Base-7 Cu Ft $180.95 7 Cubic Feet Jr.Compost Bin and Base Saves You Money & Promotes a Healthy Garden The Jr. holds 7 cubic feet of compost and sits on a wheeled base. The handles now provide better grip to make turning even easier. The 12" twist off lid keeps your compost safely closed off but is easy to remove and even doubles as an extra turning point. The ends feature aeration holes which provide much needed airflow for the compost batch with the option of drilling more for those who live in areas with low air currents. The wheeled base allows owners to turn the bin effortlessly and can easily be separated to allow the bin to roll freely from place to place. The low profile ensures that it stays out of sight and won't be blown over in high winds like other tumbler composters. The resin material used to mold the bin is 100% recycled and the rich dark color absorbs the sun's heat keeping your compost at a nice hot temperature. Comes fully assembled and requires little maintenance. Just turn once a week and after addition of new material and you can see compost in as little as 14 days! Help keep organic waste out of our landfills by getting a Compost Wizard Jr. today. Wheeled Base Large 12" twist lid Safe for pets and children Black color for heat absorption 30"x"22"x23.5" at 27lbs 12" Twist lid Fully assembled 7 Cu ft capacity Ships Quickly! Good Ideas, Inc. is a growing company producing purposeful, American made, rotationally molded, goods. Their mission is to provide gardeners with high quality products that will better their lives while providing employment opportunities for the people in their community, local and beyond. They are located in Lake City, PA and are comprised of diligent and hard-working individuals whose daily goal is to provide the best service and support possible. Please join Garden.com in supporting an American company committed to quality products and environmental and professional responsibility. |
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Free Shipping. Green Culture Compost Bin $81 Use your organic kitchen waste to help cultivate your garden with the Green Culture Compost Bin. Holding up to 65 gallons, there is plenty of room for all your kitchen scraps. Vent holes allow for air circulation necessary for composting. When it comes time to use your compost in the garden four lift up doors along the bottom make access easy. The lid lifts off for adding to your compost pile. When you've decided where it should go, spikes in the base go into the ground to help anchor it into place. Made of heavy UV stabilized polystyrene plastic, comes in black. Composting guide and assembly instructions included. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 4-10 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable |
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Exaco AQ77 0.77Gallon Aero Quick Compost Bin $157.91 Exaco is proud to offer the AeroQuick line compost bins by Juwel of Austria. These durable and attractive compost bins fgeature a unique wall panel design allows air to continuously flow upwards along all 4 side panels. The AeroQuick Compost Bins have been put through rigorous testing at a facilitty in Southern Italy which features a climate similar to Las Vegas Nevada USA. Their oldest test composters at that site are 15 years old and still working fineAeroQuick Compost Bins will not fade in color for about 3 years after which any color fading that may happen will be even over the the entire surface and happens very slowly. Feature:. Much heavier duty/stronger than most other similar designs material is 5 mm thick. Polyamide (nylon) corner clips are much stronger than any other compost bin but still easy to remove if some one wants to take the unit apart. New air flow system: unique wall panel design allows air to continuously flow upwards along all 4 side panels. Sizes: 77 gallons. Hinged lid which will NOT blow away. Lid comes with a sliding lock that works well keeps possums and raccoons out. Two side doors to remove mature compost (or simply lift the unit up and move it to the side for best access to compost pile). Compost bins are made from: high grade polypropylene copolymer resin up to 40Percent recycled material. Resin is UV stabilized which helps prevent color fading. |
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Exaco AQ187 187Gallon Aeroquick Compost Bin $315.86 Exaco is proud to offer the AeroQuick line compost bins by Juwel of Austria. These durable and attractive compost bins fgeature a unique wall panel design allows air to continuously flow upwards along all 4 side panels. The AeroQuick Compost Bins have been put through rigorous testing at a facilitty in Southern Italy which features a climate similar to Las Vegas Nevada USA. Their oldest test composters at that site are 15 years old and still working fineAeroQuick Compost Bins will not fade in color for about 3 years after which any color fading that may happen will be even over the the entire surface and happens very slowly. Feature:. Much heavier duty/stronger than most other similar designs material is 5 mm thick. Polyamide (nylon) corner clips are much stronger than any other compost bin but still easy to remove if some one wants to take the unit apart. New air flow system: unique wall panel design allows air to continuously flow upwards along all 4 side panels. Sizes: 187 gallons. Hinged lid which will NOT blow away. Lid comes with a sliding lock that works well keeps possums and raccoons out. Two side doors to remove mature compost (or simply lift the unit up and move it to the side for best access to compost pile). Compost bins are made from: high grade polypropylene copolymer resin up to 40Percent recycled material. Resin is UV stabilized which helps prevent color fading. |
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Exaco AQ110 110Gallon Aeroquick Compost Bin $245.66 Exaco is proud to offer the AeroQuick line compost bins by Juwel of Austria. These durable and attractive compost bins fgeature a unique wall panel design allows air to continuously flow upwards along all 4 side panels. The AeroQuick Compost Bins have been put through rigorous testing at a facilitty in Southern Italy which features a climate similar to Las Vegas Nevada USA. Their oldest test composters at that site are 15 years old and still working fineAeroQuick Compost Bins will not fade in color for about 3 years after which any color fading that may happen will be even over the the entire surface and happens very slowly. Feature:. Much heavier duty/stronger than most other similar designs material is 5 mm thick. Polyamide (nylon) corner clips are much stronger than any other compost bin but still easy to remove if some one wants to take the unit apart. New air flow system: unique wall panel design allows air to continuously flow upwards along all 4 side panels. Sizes: 110 gallons. Hinged lid which will NOT blow away. Lid comes with a sliding lock that works well keeps possums and raccoons out. Two side doors to remove mature compost (or simply lift the unit up and move it to the side for best access to compost pile). Compost bins are made from: high grade polypropylene copolymer resin up to 40Percent recycled material. Resin is UV stabilized which helps prevent color fading. |
Build a Compost Bin for your Home or Community Gardens in 2 hours that is effective and low budget. Plans included!
I moved into my new historic area home this past year and began enjoying the camaraderie at our community garden. The ineffective compost bin quickly caught my attention. Consulting our members I was encouraged to improve the composting effort. I enthusiastically volunteered, welcoming the opportunity to experiment by asking myself how do I build a compost bin.
Criteria for an effective compost bin would have to include, low construction cost, ease of maintenance, adequate capacity to accept the organic materials from the community garden and perhaps expansive enough to invite our members to begin composting (selective) kitchen scraps and organic materials from their yards. Concerns about rodents, odor and insects that could impact the neighborhood were important considerations.
Another key point, our coastal NC soils are very sandy, water and nutrients flush through quickly requiring frequent watering and regular use of fertilizer. On site composting is essential to improving the long term vitality of this soil in addition to increasing the quality and yield of our crops.
Before starting plans for a sturdy compost bin built from used shipping pallets was drawn up. A good compost bin needs a minimum volume of about one cubic yard to develop correct mass, making shipping pallet size ideal. Our local food cooperative had an abundance of (untreated) wooden pallets that would be ours for the asking.
Three bin construction was chosen, allowing bin #1 to be filled and left to convert organic materials to compost while the third bin is filled with new materials. The second bin will be used to turn materials from the first or third bin accelerating the composting process. This method is expected to give us a finished batch of compost every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season.
This construction plan works very well with a single bin composter if that meets your needs better! Plans follow using my preferred sturdy construction material list. An optional lower cost method would replace steel corner braces, instead, securely fastening each corner with bailing wire at the top and bottom. A double 2x4 driven 2' into the ground at the open end of the compost bins ads stability. To close the front of your compost bin one more pallet per opening is needed, lash it closed with rope.
Triple bin Construction:
* Construction required about 2 hours for two of us.
* Assuming each pallet size to be approximately 40 X 48, Level a rectangular area the size of the compost bin footprint (approximately 13' X 4')
* Secure one end of the compost bin to the first back section. Long pallet side for increased bin length and depth, short side for height. ‘Floored' side in.
* Secure the end on the other side creating a U shaped section. Continue this process to complete the second and third compost bins.
* Finish off the inner 2 pallets (the bottom of the pallet) with slats from an extra pallet (if desired) for better air flow.
Triple bin materials: (Total cost about $55)
* 8 wooden shipping pallets (optional 3 more to close front) FREE for picking them up
* 12 - 1X6 corner braces $3.25 ea$39.
* 50 - 2" wood screws 2 per angle side $4.50
* 8 – 2X4 If extra stability is desired $1.80 ea $14.40
* Nails 2 ½ " galvanized 1 lb. $4.50
Tools Hammer; power drill; rake; shovel; level; post hole digger
In summary building an effective compost bin for a home or community garden can be done quickly and inexpensively. Before starting consider how composting will be included in your gardening activities. Estimate the volume of organic materials you will convert to compost, choose a suitable sunny location. Finally, determine your budget and the amount of time you can invest in completing your composting project. What starts out right ends up right. Try building a compost bin for yourself and find how integral composting is to increased gardening enjoyment.
About the Author
Bob Swanson, a master gardener is active with local arboretum and community garden projects.
Answer the question how do I build a compost bin easily and inexpensively. See photos and construction drawings of these plans in ‘articles' at compost bins only.
Learn more about composting activities and products for your home or community garden on a web site dedicated to composting relevant products and information at Compost Bins Only.
Bin Compost