How to Make a Compost Sifter

Creating compost can be one of the most rewarding tasks a gardener can perform. Its use cuts down on the cost of soil and fertilizers, plus it reduces the amount of trash sent to the landfill. One of the biggest complaints of those who have used compost in the past, however, is the rocks, leaves and sticks that get mixed into the finished product. The only way to get them out is to sift the compost. One option is to hold a screen and shake the compost. But the city of Glendale, Calif., created a compost sifter that's much easier on your back. It's a tray that slides within a frame, sifting the compost right on top of a wheelbarrow. It's easy to build and will create compost that is the envy of other gardeners.

Things You'll Need

• 2 1-inch-by-1-inch boards, 36 inches long
• 2 1-inch-by-2-inch boards, 36 inches long
• 2 1-inch-by-2-inch boards, 20 3/4 inches long
• 2 1-inch-by-4-inch boards, 27 inches long
• 4 2-inch-by-4-inch boards, 36 inches long
• 2 2-inch-by-4-inch boards, 20 3/4 inches long
• 46 2-inch drywall screws
• 8 3.5-inch drywall screws
• 1 2-foot-by-3-foot piece of half-inch-square galvanized metal screen
• Galvanized 14-gauge staples
• 2 sturdy metal handles
• Sandpaper
• Clear polyurethane or paint
• Candle
• Handsaw
• Combination square
• Drill
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Tin snips
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Screw the 1-inch-by-1-inch boards flush to the bottom of the inside face of two of the 36-inch 2-inch-by-4-inch boards with the 2-inch screws.

2. Screw the 1-inch-by-4-inch boards to the bottom of the 2-inch-by-4-inch boards with the 1-inch-by-1-inch boards attached to create a frame.

3. Screw together the remaining four 2-inch-by-4-inch boards with the 3.5-inch screws to create a tray that fits within the frame.

4. Cut the screen to fit the bottom of the tray you just created and use the staple gun to secure it in place.

5. Screw the 1-inch-by-2-inch boards to the bottom of the tray with the 3.5-inch screws.

6. Paint the frame and tray.

7. Attach the handles to the short ends of the tray.

8. Rub the candle on the tops of the 1-inch-by-1-inch boards of the frame and the bottom of the tray. This will help the tray slide easily when you begin sifting the compost.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a wider metal screen if you're less concerned about large pieces of debris making its way into your compost.

• The worms might have a hard time sifting through the screen, so keep an eye out for your "compost makers."

References

• Nifty-stuff.com: Compost Sifter

Resources

• City of Glendale, CA: Public Works Compost Screen