Last updated on December 10th, 2020 at 05:21 am
A compost bin is a fantastic way to minimise waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
In this article, we’ll share a simple way to DIY your very own backyard compost bin – your plants will thank you!
Put simply, compost is decayed organic matter. This ‘organic matter’ can be anything from dry leaves and garden clippings to banana peels. Over time, these items break down into an incredibly nutrient-rich fertiliser that can help your garden thrive.
There are two basic methods of composting: hot and cold.
We should all be working toward a minimal-waste lifestyle. Composting gives us the opportunity to recycle things like food scraps, which could otherwise end up in landfill.
What’s more, the compost itself is extremely beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your garden. The complex nutrients found in compost energises your soil’s food web, adding in life-giving microscopic bacteria, earthworms, fungi, crickets, and more.
If you grow vegetables, composting is a must. Compost has the potential to boost your veggie garden’s resistance to common diseases and may even enhance their nutritional content and flavour, too.
Ready to get started. Here’s how to make a quick and easy DIY compost bin.
What you’ll need:
Step 1: Prepare the bin
If you are using an old bin, give it a good clean. Any leftover non-biodegradable materials could sabotage your composting efforts. If you are using a new bin, there’s no need to wash it. Just be sure to remove any stickers, tags, or packaging.
Step 2: Drill holes into the bin
Using the paddle bit, drill a hole into the side of the bin about 10cm or so from the lid. Drill a second hole about 10-15cm from the first. Continue drilling holes down the length of the bin. Repeat this process on all sides.
Step 3: Give the bin one final clean
You’ll need to give the bin one last clean before you put it to use. This time, you’re working to remove any plastic shards and debris created during the drilling process. Once cleaned, your DIY compost bin is ready to go.
To get you started, here are a couple of composting dos and don’ts.