How to Build a Compost Bin

February 13, 2007

A compost heap is essential for any keen gardener, allowing plant debris to be disposed of and recycled by returning it to the soil after it has broken down into a good growing medium. However, an untidy heap in a corner of the garden, may not fit into the overall scheme of things. A screen could be built to conceal it, but a better idea is to build a proper compost bin.

A compost bin can be constructed from many different materials: bricks, concrete blocks, wire, snow fencing or wood. The design we have selected comprises two side by side bins made of pressure treated lumber and welded wire mesh attached with plated fasteners. The two bin design allows the use of material from one bin while material in the other bin is composting. Another use for the second bin is transferring the material from one side to the other when turning.

Before you begin construction you will want to give careful attention to the location of your compost bin. Choose a fairly level spot with reasonably good drainage. Your location also should be close to a water supply-or at least within reach of your garden hose, so if it becomes too dry, you can easily sprinkle it down. A shady spot also is preferable because too much sun will dry out your pile too frequently. The bin should also be close to your garden and accessible to a wheelbarrow.

When you are preparing the site, you won't have to worry about either a floor or a cover for the bin because microbes and earthworms coming up from soil beneath are necessary parts of the process. After you have assembled the materials and tools you are ready to begin construction.

STEP 1. CONSTRUCT THE REAR WALL OF THE BINS. Begin by cutting two pieces of 2x4 (1-1/2"x3-1/2") lumber each 96 inches in length. These pieces will be used to make the rear rails. Next cut three pieces of 2x4 lumber to 48 inches for the uprights. Cut one section of 48-inch wide welded wire mesh (2x4 inch mesh size) to 96 inches. Lay the two rear rails face down parallel to each other, 48 inches apart. Carefully lay the three uprights on top of the rails, keeping their ends flush to the edges. Space the uprights with with one on either end of the rail and one in the center. Mark the pieces for half-lap joints, then cut half-lap joints in the rear rail and on the ends of the uprights. Attach the rear wall uprights to the rear rails using three 1-1/2" #8 flathead wood screws per joint. Fasten the 48-inch wide meshing to the rear wall using 5/8-inch staples driven at intervals of approximately 10 inches.

STEP 2. SECURE THE REAR WALL. To prevent the compost bin from being blown away in high winds it is advisable to secure it to the ground. Move the rear wall to its intended location. Stand the wall vertically and temporarily brace it with scrap lumber. Against the outside of the wall, in line with the uprights, drive three 60-inch high fencing stakes into the ground to a depth of 12 inches, until their ends are flush with the upper edge of back wall's top rail. Use a sledgehammer if necessary. Drill 3/16-inch diameter holes through the fencing stakes into the top and bottom rails to a depth of 1". Fasten the fencing stakes to the rear wall rails using 3/8" x 1-1/12" screws.

STEP 3. BUILD THE SIDES AND FRONTS OF THE BINS. Cut 20 pieces of 2x4 stock to 48 inches each. Then cut five sections of 48-inch wide mesh fencing (the same as the rear wall) to 48 inches each. Assemble five panels, each measuring 48x48 inches. Construct each panel using lap joints, following the same procedure for building the rear wall. Next attach the mesh fencing to each panels using staples, as was described earlier. Join three of the equal sided panels to the rear wall to form bin sides. To fasten the sides, first butt an upright of each panel against the upright of the rear wall. Drill three 1/4-inch diameter pilot holes from the outside of the rear wall into each upright. Then enlarge the holes in the rear wall to 3/8-inch. Install 3/8x4-inch lag bolts fitted with washers. Adjust the bin sides so they are perpendicular to the rear wall, then drive two 60" fencing stakes into the ground to secure the bin sides as you did for the rear wall. Secure each stake in the same manner described for the rear wall.

Use the two remaining panels for the front of each bin. You can attach the panels with two hinges on either side of each bin so they will swing open or you can make them removable and attached as needed with hooks securing the doors.

Related Searches lawn spraying home fertilizer

Related Videos & Photos
	1950s California Ranch Bathroom Remodel
	See What's Going Down with a Glass Sink