Plastic trash barrels make low cost compost bins.
Making your own compost bin out of a plastic trash barrel is low in cost and creates a free source of organic fertilizer for your garden. This project takes less than 60 minutes to complete and will create its first batch of compost in two to three months with the proper moisture and layering. Mix even layers of nitrogen rich green matter with carbon rich brown matter to increase the rate of decomposition and create a rich organic soil amendment. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Drill 1/4 inch diameter air holes into the sides of the trash barrel spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart. Drill 10 to 12 holes into the bottom of the barrel for drainage.
2. Set the trash barrel on two or three cement blocks in a sunny area making sure the holes in the cement blocks are facing upward, so the bottom drainage holes are not blocked. Keep the lid on top of the barrel to prevent rodents and birds from entering the barrel. Secure the lid by strapping two bungee cords over top and hooking them onto the side handles.
3. Fill the bottom of the barrel with 2 to 3 inches of sawdust to control excess moisture during the decomposition process.
4. Fill the barrel with even amounts of brown and green organic matter. An even mix will decompose faster and produce fewer odors.
5. Moisten the barrel contents with water to create the consistency of a damp sponge. Monitor the barrel moisture each week and add more as needed. This will increase the rate of decomposition.
6. Mix the compost once a week by rolling the barrel on its side for two to three minutes. Excess moisture in the barrel will run out the side holes.
Tags: trash barrel, barrel with, bottom barrel, cement blocks, holes into, increase rate, increase rate decomposition