How to Make a Compost Pile Out of a Fence
A bin contains materials as they compost, making the pile more manageable. The compost becomes a rich dark brown or black soil-like garden amendment once the grass clippings, dead leaves and yard waste in the pile breaks down. Wire fencing provides a simple-to-erect choice for a quick compost pile. The fencing contains the pile but requires only a few minutes to put up and to take down once you are ready to harvest the compost. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine the size of the compost bin. Multiply the desired width by 3.14 to determine the length of fencing required. For example, if you want a 5-foot wide pile, you need 15.7 feet of fencing, rounded up to 16 feet. Round the number up to account for overlap at the closure.
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Stand the wire fencing on end and form it into a cylinder. Use fencing with mesh openings no wider than 2 inches square so the composting materials don't fall through the fence.
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3
Clip the edges of the fence together where they overlap along the side, using chain clips. The clips hold the bin closed in the cylinder shape. Space the clips every 6 to 8 inches along the closed opening.
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Set the compost bin in the desired location for your pile. Choose a level area away from buildings and structures, where the pile is protected from direct sun during summer. Direct sunlight dries out the compost, causing it to break down more slowly.
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Fill the fence cylinder with your composting materials. Water the pile as necessary so it remains damp but doesn't become soggy.
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Tips & Warnings
Compost takes approximately 12 months to completely break down. Speed up the process by turning the pile with a pitch fork every two to four weeks.
Remove the clips and open the fencing when you are ready to access the pile and harvest the compost.
