On our recent post about the changes we have made over the years to live more sustainably, we mentioned that we made our own DIY compost bin which has tremendously reduced the amount of material we throw in our green bin.
We have been wanting to have a compost bin in the garden for many years now, but never got to it. We finally had the time as we are staying home and finding things to do. Although the circumstances for all us staying indoors isn't nice, we think many people are becoming more creative, artistic, and discovering hidden talents.
We didn't want to use the simple solution of digging a hole in the ground, as we did not want to attract critters. We also did not want to buy a big expensive readymade compost bin. Since we are just starting, we made a compost bin that is just right for our needs which can be placed in a corner of the garden that is pleasing to the eye and serves our purpose.
To build this compost bin we used leftover wood we had from older projects. It is best to work with wood that will handle the elements. We used leftover fence boards, which was perfect for this project.
2 by 2 for the inner frame
Fence boards for the walls of the bin
Fence boards for the walls of the bin
Drill gun
Deck screws
wood glue
We decided to go with a 24"x24" compost bin, which fits well in the corner of our yard.
We first built a frame with 2x2's to make the compost bin stronger. After making the frame we put the appropriately sized fence boards to make the walls.
We did not make a base as the ground would make a good base giving access to insects and worms to help the material compost faster.
We cut 3 pieces of fence board to make a lid. The top most frame is about 2 inches from the opening, so the lid can rest on it. This makes it harder for racoons to open the compost. We also attached two pieces of wood to make a handle.
The handle for the cover of this compost bin makes it easy to open and also stays secure
Inside of the compost bin cover
We decorated it with a few vegetable and fruit design we cut with our scroll saw and sprayed with black paint
The compost goes directly to the ground so the warmth of the earth, natural worms and other bugs can do their job to breakdown the vegetable and fruit peels, so we can eventually use this natural soil filled with minerals in the garden. We have been putting a lot of vegetable and fruit peels, egg shells, tea bags, brown paper, and some garden scraps like grass. As long as there is an equal proportion of greens and browns the compost would not emit any smell. We occasionally add water and use a long stick to turn the materials which helps the material decay faster.
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A compost bin in the garden is a fantastic idea; I love the look of yours
ReplyDeleteGreat job! The handmade cut outs of the fruits and vegetables is so creative too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, this helps to make composting a lot less intimidating
ReplyDeleteWe have a compost bin for veggie and fruit scraps and 3 other large bins for leaves, twigs and other yard debris.
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice looking compost bin!
ReplyDeleteI like the details on your compost bin. It blends into your garden nicely.
ReplyDeleteVery neat 👏👏👏 Looks nice and sturdy love the veg and fruit cutouts ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteIt may be simple but it's a great looking bin
ReplyDeleteWe use to put all our kitchen scraps into our compost but realised it attracted critters so now I just put the veggie scraps and garden waste, it makes wonderful compost for our veggie patch!
ReplyDeleteI love this DIY compost, I have never thought of making one of my own, but what a great idea
ReplyDeleteWe just started our very first compost. Great educational exercise for the kids to be involved in.
ReplyDeleteI need a compost bin
ReplyDeleteI was not composting until a couple of years ago when the city I live in brought a program in with our recycling. It is nice knowing our food scraps go into making compost for city parks and leftover compost can be picked up by residents.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to compost food scraps is a great way to incorporate sustainability in our lives
ReplyDeleteLove how you creatively created this compost bin.
ReplyDeleteThis would def keep the unwanted visitors as well!!! Great way to teach the little ones to be involved 🙌
ReplyDeleteI love the adornments on the box
ReplyDeleteLooks sturdy and decorative for the garden.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun family project!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration to get my family composting!
ReplyDeleteI have heard raccoons are pretty sneaky about getting into places they should not be. If that did happen it would be easy to add a large brick to the lid with the way you designed it.
ReplyDeleteHaving a compost bin is such a good idea
ReplyDeleteComposting is such a great thing to do for the environment
ReplyDeleteComposting is a great way to start living more sustainably.
ReplyDeleteI like how you could use old pallets for the wood and save a little money
ReplyDeleteGreat DIY project
ReplyDeleteMost people who build a fence or deck would have enough leftover pieces to make this. It is great that you shared the plans.
ReplyDeleteI like how you don't need many items to build this bin
ReplyDeleteI’m thankful our municipal government collects complete. We have compost bins that are collected weekly like our garbage. It’s so convenient. But I like the look of yours, plus the effort to make one.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great compost bin! Perfect to support our gardening efforts.
ReplyDeleteYou should have a well nourished garden area with a great yield once you add the compost soil.
ReplyDeleteI live in a rural area and a compost bin is something I've had for many years
ReplyDeleteComposting is such a great way to help the environment
ReplyDeleteI read an article that said if you add egg shells to your potted plants outside it not only gives them nutrition but it also keeps some pests from eating the plants. People who might live in an apartment where they can't have a compost bin could use up some of their scraps on balcony planters.
ReplyDeleteI use paper bags or compostable for my bins
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks really easy - I love the idea! Composting is such a wonderful way to start being greener
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic project
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great learning exercise for children. While schooling them at home you could study the bugs that help break down the compost.
ReplyDeleteOh Dianne! That's a great idea. We have so many critters around though (raccoons, mice etc) I'm not sure my neighbours would appreciate this!
DeleteWe had this same concern but with this type of fitting lid we have been able to avoid this problem. We only use uncooked food scraps and a balance of green and brown material and turn it once a week so thankfully there is no smell either.
ReplyDelete