How to make an easy DIY compost holder using metal hardware cloth. When compost is done just lift the holder and spread where you need your rich homemade compost.
I always have a loose little compost pile in the far corner of our yard but decided to make a proper one to compost my chicken waste. In fact I probably will make more. I used half inch hardware cloth I ordered from Amazon. You could use any heavy duty wire fencing you might have in your garage lying around.
There it is tucked behind a tree in the corner. I would love to make a big one out of a trash can to really cook the compost quickly. This method will be a little slower but I know the stuff that comes out of it is nutrient rich because whenever I would turn the pile the roots from the plants in the planter would be coming up into the pile reaching for all that good stuff.
Update: I later went to a large plastic pre-made composter but have been unhappy with it. Not only is it ugly, it has cracked and I have tossed it in the recycle bin and gone back to this original compost maker.
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How To Make A Compost Bin
- Just laid it out to about the size I wanted and used my wire cutters to cut. I also use some good wire hubby had in the garage to attach the sides.
- Fold over the ends so they overlap about two inches. Use your wire in three inch pieces to attach the sides.
- I found it easiest to make a hook with my pieces of wire to fish it though the hardware cloth. Why they call it cloth I don't know as this stuff is tough and sharp. When I pulled them through I used the wire cutters to hold the wire and twist securely. Place these about every six inches down the roll.
There it is tucked behind a tree in the corner. I would love to make a big one out of a trash can to really cook the compost quickly. This method will be a little slower but I know the stuff that comes out of it is nutrient rich because whenever I would turn the pile the roots from the plants in the planter would be coming up into the pile reaching for all that good stuff.
Update: I later went to a large plastic pre-made composter but have been unhappy with it. Not only is it ugly, it has cracked and I have tossed it in the recycle bin and gone back to this original compost maker.
View all of our gardening posts for more great urban gardening tips.
Very clever. I have a stack compost bin. Love it. I compost EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteWow, you're creative! I used to throw our yard waste and such in the far corner of our yard, but now a sheds going in! Thanks for sharing your idea!
ReplyDeleteVery neat way of composting...this is something that I should be doing!!
ReplyDeleteLove all your energy!!
Have a great day...
shug
Looks like you are well on your way to making your very own 'black gold'.
ReplyDeleteIsn't wonderful to be able to re-use and re-purpose everyday items into wonderful things ?!
Love it!!
I so need to get mine started up again. There is nothing like good compost. Nice job on your container. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteGood idea. Isn't hardware cloth handy at times!
ReplyDeleteI had a 2 bin compost pile on the farm that I built myself and loved it. Now, i have a little one that turns but I don't like it as much. I may build one like yours which is more similar to the one I used to have. I always learn something when I read your blog. I want to look into vermiculture also which you can have in your house all year around.
ReplyDeleteGenius! What a great DIY! We have a tiny compost right now - but I love this idea for a future project. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Compost is the best stuff in the world, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. I need to read a few articles on what to throw in them!
ReplyDeleteClever again. We compost, sort of but forget to turn it so we actually have a garden emerge out of it. Last year we grew tomatoes and watermelon.
ReplyDeleteI used to have one, but it broke down and we haven't made another one. I need to try this. It's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Marcia
This is a really clever idea. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou are brilliant, what a great idea!!! I need one of those. Thanks for showing me how to do it.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cindy
Easy and perfect for a beginner composter!
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ReplyDeleteGreat idea! ....just became your newest follower and subscriber! Come on by my blog for a visit and maybe even subscribe if you like! Have a fantastic day!
ReplyDelete