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How to Build a Simple, and Cheap Compost

Member
By jjsschultz2008
User-Submitted Article
(4 Ratings)

Build a compost for unused grass clippings and get great fertilizer in return.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Roll of chicken wire
  • 4 wood/metal stakes (2-4 feet each)
  • Steel wire (2 feet at most)
  • Pliers
  • Wire/tin snips
  • Gloves (optional)
  1. Step 1

    Choose a location on your property where not much activity occurs. The compost will have a farm-like smell when decomposition sets in. Determine how large you will need the compost to be. Base this on size of lawn and how often you bag the clippings.

  2. Step 2

    Pound stakes into ground about 8-12 inches or until sturdy where the four corners will be. Leave enough above ground to be almost as tall as the roll of chicken wire.

  3. Step 3

    Wrap the chicken wire around the outside of the stakes, twice if you have enough to do so. At the end of the roll use a small piece of the steel wire to secure the ends in three or four places. (top, bottom, 1-2 in middle) It is not really necessary, but you can also secure the four corners to the stakes.

  4. Step 4

    OPTIONAL STEP: I chose to put a piece of chicken wire down the middle to split the bin into two sections. (new, old). This way when one is filled I can let it decompose, and start a fresh pile in the next bin. After a few weeks to a couple months (depends on moisture and other factors) the clippings will turn into a dirt-like substance which makes a great natural and free fertilizer. Just mix into your dirt in the flower/vegtable garden, or in flower pots.

Tips & Warnings
  • You can speed decomposition by occasionally "stirring" the pile. (I turn mine weekly)
  • If the rain is too infrequent, spraying the pile with water occasionally will also speed up decomposition.
  • Be careful of sharp edges on chicken wire and all tools.

Comments  

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mweise said

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on 7/9/2009 This sounds so easy, and I'm going to try it! 5*

bailey4 said

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on 7/9/2009 Good strategy for how to build a simple, and cheap compost. 5*

oxymora said

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on 6/30/2009 Thank you for the instructions. I love to garden, but have yet to start my own compost pile. This makes it look easy!

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on 6/30/2009 I love this idea, I just need a bigger yard.

daconn said

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on 6/30/2009 I like your idea about dividing the space into 2 sections.

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