Learn How to Build a Low Cost Homemade Compost Bin or Tumbler

Small-scale gardeners tend to favor more organic gardening practices. Because you are so closely connected to your gardening efforts, you have the ability to take a more hands-on approach, eliminating chemicals and giving your garden the absolute best that nature has to offer. One of the most common small-scale organic amendments is a good compost mix. It's easy to take yard and garden waste and create your own compost.

However, for the best results, you need a proper container to brew your nutrient dense, garden friendly concoction. The goods news is that you don't have to spend several hundred dollars on a ready-made composting drum. You can build your own compost bins with simple and affordable materials.

Characteristics of a Good Compost Bin

In order to build a well-functioning compost bin, you must first understand the necessary properties that you are looking for. First, your bin needs to be accessible. For proper decomposition, your compost will need to be turned periodically. That means that you need to create an enclosure that is low enough that you can reach a rake, shovel or pitchfork into the mix and move it around. The compost will also need to breathe for best results, as well as have a slight bit of moisture. A bin that can drain will accomplish this nicely.

Using Wire Fencing

One of the easiest ways to enclose a compost pile is to use a length of sturdy wire fencing. You will be looking for the same type that is used for yard or cattle fencing- a strong and sturdy weave. While this isn't exactly cheap, you will only need a small length. Try to find a second-hand source; check with a local farmer or fencing contractor, offering to take small lengths of their hands. This fencing can be wired to create a square compost bin, or you can bend it into a circular shape in order to contain your compost. This method has the advantage of being very long-lasting, as the fencing is designed to withstand weathering nicely.

Pallets are Perfect

If you live in an industrial area, you may want to make the rounds at factories and warehouses with the intent of finding pallets that are free for the taking. While these won't give you the same permanent arrangement as using fencing, they will last for several seasons and are easy to replace. Most sources are happy to get rid of excess pallets. To create a compost bin, lay the pallets on end to create a square, securing the corners with a bracket. You may want to add hinges to one side so that you can open the end for easier access.

What About Worms?

Another method that is gaining popularity among gardeners is creating a compost system using worms.
Purchasing a batch of compost friendly worms is very affordable and they will speed the decomposition process significantly.
While you can put the worms in an existing outdoor bin, you will likely lose them all to the lure of the soil. It's best to use a self-contained container, such as a plastic bin, for worm composting.