How to Make Bins

A compost bin is a container that holds compost material until it is viable for gardening. There are several types of bins and each bin assists in a different composting method. A holding unit is the simplest container to build and has the easiest composting method. It is good for composting small amounts of yard waste. Decomposition takes about 6 months to 2 years using this method. The garden bins described below creates a 3 by 4 foot circular mesh bin. The compost requires no turning and is easily harvested from the bottom of the bin while the top of the bin is still decomposing.

Things You'll Need

• 10-foot length of 36-inch-wide 1-inch galvanized chicken wire, or
• 10-foot length of 1/2-inch-wide hardware cloth
• Heavy wire
• 4, 4-foot-tall wooden or metal posts
• Heavy-duty wire snips
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Metal file
• Gardening gloves

Instructions

Chicken-wire Bin

1. Put on gloves and pick up the pre-cut chicken-wire sheet. Lay the sheet out so that the wider length is horizontal. Fold 3 to 4 inch sections, toward the center, at each end of the chicken-wire. These folds make a smooth edge that latches together easily and won't snag.

2. Stand the wire up and fold it into a circle. Place the circular wire where you want the compost bin to stand.

3. Cut the heavy wire into ties using the wire snips. Make 5 to 6 ties in a length that is easy to fold and twist. It's better to make the ties longer than you need because you can cut them later. Twist the ties around the chicken wire to attach the two ends of the circle. Use pliers to make sure the ties are fastened securely.

4. Place 4 wood or metal posts equidistant around the inside of the wire circle. Hammer each post into place with a hammer. Hold the posts firmly against the wire circle so it supports and holds its shape.

5. Trim the ends of the hardware cloth with the heavy duty wire snips. Wires should be the same length all the way down each edge. File each cut edge with a metal file so they won't poke or snag upon opening the bin.

6. Mold the hardware cloth into a circle. Fold the sides inward from the widest length. Stand the cylinder where the compost bin will be placed.

7. Cut the heavy wire into ties using the wire snips. About 4 or 5 ties will do. Add more if you want the fasteners to be extra secure. Cut the ties long for ease when twisting them together. You can trim them later if they are too long.

8. Use the wire ties to connect the two ends together. Twist the ties using the pliers to make sure the bin is securely fastened.

References

• University of Missouri: How to Build a Compost Bin