composting - Ask Extension
What is a good way to make a composting bin? Do they need to be airy or can they be closed in?
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composting #867109
Asked May 05, 2024, 2:07 PM EDT
What is a good way to make a composting bin? Do they need to be airy or can they be closed in?
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Annette,
Great question and I will make the assumption the compost bin you are thinking about is one for a residential back yard.
First and foremost a compost area can be anywhere from a simple pile of material up to a more formal bin-like structure made from pressure treated lumber to concrete blocks and other materials that contain your compost material.
I will give you some things to consider and then provide a link to a site with information on how to build a compost bin and different types of bins.
Things to consider and most deal with siting you compost area. You need to look over your lot and pick a candidate location which (a) Gets a decent amount of sun daily. The more sun the more heat you can generate in your compost bin and the faster it will mature. (b) You also want a site that is convenient for you to access. You will be taking material to the compost bin on a regular basis, so choose a location that is convenient for you to access. and (c) Pick a location that is not offensive in any way to your neighbors. It will produce some odors as it 'cooks' and could be an eyesore if not well maintained. (d) Start small and simple if you have not done this before and increase the size as your skill improves and then size it to fit your needs. (e) Compost bins tend to attract animals especially if you are adding food scraps to your compost pile. (f) Grass clippings. I recommend you not add fresh grass clippings to your compost if you have a lawn company treating your lawn on a regular basis. Otherwise, whatever chemicals they apply to your lawn will be in your compost.
Here is the link to building your own compost bin from the University of Missouri Extension: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6957
You will notice your compost bin can be quite simple or more complex and again, size it to fit your needs. My first compost bin was three circles made of chicken wire and then I built a three binned compost structure with 2 X 4's and wire mesh for the bottom, back and sides. I have removable boards for the front that go up as I fill the raw material bin and allow access to the material.
I hope this gives you the info you need and have a great gardening season.
Great question and I will make the assumption the compost bin you are thinking about is one for a residential back yard.
First and foremost a compost area can be anywhere from a simple pile of material up to a more formal bin-like structure made from pressure treated lumber to concrete blocks and other materials that contain your compost material.
I will give you some things to consider and then provide a link to a site with information on how to build a compost bin and different types of bins.
Things to consider and most deal with siting you compost area. You need to look over your lot and pick a candidate location which (a) Gets a decent amount of sun daily. The more sun the more heat you can generate in your compost bin and the faster it will mature. (b) You also want a site that is convenient for you to access. You will be taking material to the compost bin on a regular basis, so choose a location that is convenient for you to access. and (c) Pick a location that is not offensive in any way to your neighbors. It will produce some odors as it 'cooks' and could be an eyesore if not well maintained. (d) Start small and simple if you have not done this before and increase the size as your skill improves and then size it to fit your needs. (e) Compost bins tend to attract animals especially if you are adding food scraps to your compost pile. (f) Grass clippings. I recommend you not add fresh grass clippings to your compost if you have a lawn company treating your lawn on a regular basis. Otherwise, whatever chemicals they apply to your lawn will be in your compost.
Here is the link to building your own compost bin from the University of Missouri Extension: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6957
You will notice your compost bin can be quite simple or more complex and again, size it to fit your needs. My first compost bin was three circles made of chicken wire and then I built a three binned compost structure with 2 X 4's and wire mesh for the bottom, back and sides. I have removable boards for the front that go up as I fill the raw material bin and allow access to the material.
I hope this gives you the info you need and have a great gardening season.
