How To: Simple Compost Bin

Want to starting composting? We did, but didn't want to spend a large amount of cash on the pre-made bin found at most home improvement stores. By recycling or purchasing a plastic container with a secure lid, you can easily create your own bin in minutes. In fact it's so easy – you'll wonder why you didn't make one sooner. The bin will make compost quicker and cleaner than compost piles.

• Recycle or buy a plastic pail/bin with a tight fitting lid. The bigger the storage bin is, the better...but choose the size that is right for you. Drill small holes in the bottom, sides, and lid of your container, one to two inches apart, for aeration and to help it decompose faster.
• Place some shredded newspaper or dry leaves on the bottom of your compost bin. Add dirt from your garden on top of the newspaper, until your container is about half full.
• Add any food scraps or paper products into compost such as tea bags, fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, egg shells, paper towels, etc. Anything you put into the bin should be chopped/shredded fairly small so it will break down quicker in the small space. After you add your food and paper scraps, simply mix your fertilizer until all of the food is covered in dirt.
• Place your compost bin in a shady area away from your home in the back yard. Be sure your compost is not in full sun or your compost will dry out. Spray with water until moist, but not soaking wet...think wrung-out sponge.
• Every other day or so, as you add food scraps to bin, you should give it a stir. Mixing the compost will help breakdown the scraps faster. If your pile starts to smell like anything other than fresh dirt, you may not have the right combo of 'greens' and 'browns'. If the contents of the bin are staying very wet, or there is an unpleasant odor coming from the bin, you'll need to add some shredded fall leaves, shredded newspaper, or sawdust to the bin (the browns). These will dry it out and help restore the ratio of greens to browns that makes compost happen more quickly. If the contents are very dry, use the spray bottle to moisten the contents, or add plenty of moisture-rich items such as fruits or veggies (the greens).

Wait about 2 months to use your compost. Your garden, flower beds, and container plants will benefit from the added nutrients and organic matter!