How to Have a Compost Box in the Ground
Creating and using a composting bin or box is a great way to reduce the amount of garbage that is discarded into our landfills. Composting bins are available for purchase in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from several different types of materials. One way to avoid the expense of purchasing a pre-made composting bin is to make one yourself. Contained composting bins that are made from plastic can be placed several feet in the ground to help hide them and to prevent neighborhood pests from rummaging in the composting materials. Placing a composting bin below ground level also helps to maintain an adequate temperature to better allow the materials to decompose. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic tub with secured lid
- Hammer
- Nail
- Shovel
- Cement bricks
- Newspaper
- Cardboard
- Red wiggler worms
Instructions
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1
Select an appropriate bin to use for composting. Since the container will be placed below ground the best choice is a durable plastic bin such as a Rubbermaid container or a plastic garbage can, which will not rust or decay as a metal or wooden container would.
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2
Measure the length, height, and width of the container to determine the size of the hole you need to dig.
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Puncture a series of holes with a hammer and a small nail throughout the composting bin to ensure adequate air flow to the composting materials. Since the bin will be placed below ground, be sure to puncture holes at the top of the composting bin around the secured lid. Puncture a few small holes in the bottom of the composting bin to allow for excess moisture runoff.
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Determine a location for the in-ground composting bin. If your are creating a traditional composting bin,place it in an area that receives direct sunlight since the heat will aid in the decomposition of the materials. If you are creating a vermicomposting bin, place the bin in an area with partial shade to prevent the composting worms from overheating. Either way, choose an area that has good soil drainage.
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Dig a hole using that is large enough to hold the bin with space to put several bricks around the bin to act as an additional source of insulation. Cement bricks that are 1 inch wide will do well to insulate the bin.
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Line the bottom of the hole with bricks, then place the bin in the ground. Put bricks all around the sides of the bin. Check to be sure that adequate ventilation has been provided at the top of the bin.
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Fill the composting bin with the appropriate materials for the type of bin you have planned. For vermicomposting, this will include adding newspaper, cardboard, and red wiggler worms. Once the materials have been added secure a lid to the composting bin to prevent neighborhood pests from rummaging in the composting materials.
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Tips & Warnings
If desired, place n additional brick may on top of the composting bin to help keep pests out.
