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How to build a simple composter
So, you're interested in building your own composter, eh? And you want to do it on a budget, is that so? Well, you've come to the right hub!
Did you know that the average composter at a hardware store costs around $100? That's a decent amount of money that can be used for something else for your gardens, like seeds and tools.
You can build a composter using shipping pallets in a few simple steps. This can be done by 1 person, but I highly recommend having a friend to help you with this!
In this Hub, I'll tell how to make a composter for no more than gas money to go and pick up the pallets and supplies (you may already even have the supplies at home!)
So, your interested in building your own composter, eh? And you want to do it on a budget, is that so? Well, you've came to the right hub!
Did you know that the average composter at a hardware store costs around $100? That's a decent amount of money that can be used for something else for your garden, like seeds and tools.
You can build a composter using shipping pallets in a few simple steps. This can be done by 1 person, but I highly recommend having a friend to help you with this!
In this Hub, I'll tell how to make a composter for no more than gas money to go and pick up the pallets and supplies (you may already even have the supplies at home!)
Pros and Cons of making a composter with pallets
Pros:
Great for composting large amounts of material
Pallets are free (I'll show you where to look for some later in this hub!)
Avg. size of a pallet in North America is 40x48 inches, which is the ideal size for a composter if you have a garden!
Cons:
Pallets are pretty heavy (between 20-50 lbs. give or take.)
After this project, the composter is not easy to re-position in the yard, but it's easier than a brick composter or one using straw.
Here's what you'll need
Heres what you'll need
- Four pallets that are the same sized You can easily find pallets on Craigslist.org. I always see people around me posting ads under the free section for old pallets. If using Craigslist is not an option for you, you are in luck! Some stores that may be located around you live are bound to have some pallets they'd be more than happy to get rid of. Some popular ones include: The best places? Small Garden and Hardware Stores, Motorcycle Shops, Lawnmower and Power Equipment stores.
- Bailing wire (to lash pallets together at corners.) You can find bailing wire at pretty much any hardware stores around you. Or if you're lazy, you can buy some on Amazon or eBay.
- Last but not least, you'll need side cutters. These will be used for cutting the wire. If you're like most of America, you should have these lying around your house somewhere
- This is completely optional, but I highly recommend getting chicken wire too! After assembling the composter, you should nail the chicken wire around the slots to prevent any critters getting to any sort of food that you may have composting! You can also find chicken wire for under $10 online or at a Home Depot!
Setting up the composter
Like I said earlier, I advise you getting some help from someone setting this up. Not only are pallets big, there quite heavy! It can go a lot smoother with two. One person can hold the pallet(s) up, while the other ties them together.
So after getting all the needed materials, we're ready for setting up all mighty composter!
Follow these steps:
Level the selected ground where your bin will be
You should select a good area in your yard. You'll want it somewhere shady. Not only will a shady spot keep it dry when it rains in springtime and summer, it will prevent it from getting too hot during summer.
And you're going to want to choose a spot that's not too far out of your way either. You want accessible!
Set the pallets in an upright position
Your going to want it in the box shape!
Finally, Lash the pallets together
The front pallet acts as a hinged door, allowing you to access your compost by undoing the ties on one side and swinging it open. You can also remove the entire pallet to have wider access when adding or turning organic matter.
In no time, you will be getting compost like this!
Check out my other hubs!
Sources:
Photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29278394@N00/2457055952/in/photolist-4K848E-DqAq5-2HKCPp-dpaprR-2eH6LC-4Usm49-4P1rmG-98bJtv-4v7K2P-pj2mCC-PrLvU-8ENUyr-4PVBjv-sUd-HyJs8-ekoda3-nJcde3-6g1hrm-664Wq7-mZVoE-4UqYBR-4vKSq1-cWVT8A-52Qpvd-97P5TA-7e9FJB-ncfES2-aevMnF-4icrMU-gWoEPZ-kc32Xu-83DWYy-oV9ZS2-j6y1K-aH8D6-23UPii-4Yq6dM-ajMe6v-Kd19Z-6MLXDz-ooKMNS-696vFN-6a3cRZ-E1jm-e4ceui-bTbc2T-Ucxkt-i81H4P-j6wXw-8nUK5e
www.instructables.com
Got the information from:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-build-a-compost-bin-from-wood-pallets.html
