Friday, October 01, 2010

Thrifty Compost Bin


This summer while my Dad was here, I really wanted him to help me find and set up a compost bin so we could begin creating wonderful food for our garden!

We searched the hardware store and on line and were really unimpressed with what we found. Mostly, everything was so very expensive. Somewhere, though - we finally came across an idea we thought would work.

We bought a big trash can for just under $15 - David drilled holes for air circulation on the sides and bottom and we are set!

Hoping by next spring that our scraps will be turned into great fertilizer for our garden! And, doing it in a thrifty way is definitely at the top of my list!

12 comments:

Theresa said...

Thank you for the awesome idea! I, too, have wanted to compost-but the cost of the "bin" was way out of my price range! I am going to do this tomorrow!

Tasha said...

That is great idea, but with our Texas it is wouldn't last long. We have been composting for a few years now. My husband actually made a bin out of chicken wire and mesh. With the top open of course to rotate the compost. He is in the process of making one out of a big tin barrel(drum)he found on Craigslist for next to nothing. Just another few thoughts for you.

Anonymous said...

Hi, we have a bin like this at home. You may find you need to drill alot more holes for the air to get it to work properly. Otherwise it will become quite soggy.

Mom said...

It's fascinating to me that scraps and bits of food, leaves, and grass can turn into a rich nourishing supplement for the garden! I'm glad you came upon this thrifty idea and hope it is a great success! Love you, Mom

Michele said...

Our compost bin was made from old pallets. My husband nailed three of them together to form an open square. He used hinges to attach a door. The lid is also a pallet, but he never got around to adding hinges to it. It just sits on the top.

Anonymous said...

Great Idea..good for starters and inexpensive..

Christy of The Travel Bags said...

OH my, this is too ironic! My husband made me some bins just like this, but he added a hinged door at the bottom to remove the compost. Frugal, practical, effective, and...well, romantic, in a weird husband-gift sort of way. :)

rachel@thecupcakesprinklesinlife said...

Hi Monica,

We had one like this for a while... I recommend more holes also (especially on the bottom) and I recommend that you add some worm friends to the mix. {They will go to town in there and really make it nice!!}

Have fun composting!

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Kelly said...

Thank you for sharing. We, too, were alarmed at how expensive they can be. We like your economical idea. Do you have to mix it every once in a while or do anything to it?

Monica Wilkinson said...

Hi Kelly,

Yes, you do have to mix it - my Dad says four times a year should do it. And, add a shovel full of dirt now and then and some water now and then too.

Ours seems to be working great!

Have a great day!
Monica

Monica Wilkinson said...

We have lots of holes in the bottom and haven't had any problem with it being soggy inside. The stuff I'm putting in is decomposing quickly and looking like great food for our garden!