Compost bins are something we’ve been wanting to add at the barn – and Ryan finished these bins just in time for gardening season!
We’ve composted before, but with a large garden and more space, we wanted to go bigger. This is way to compost everything we can – grass, leaves, food, even newspaper … The list goes on and on.
I found the ultimate compost bin plan from Rodale’s Organic Life and Ryan built it with cedar. It is very large and ended up being almost $250 for all the lumber. But we hope that this will be something that will have a long life on our property and the cedar is rot-resistant. And it’s also gorgeous, so there’s that.
You could simply pile all your stuff anywhere and let nature do its work, but it would take a while.
This 3-bin-system speeds up the process and keeps everything contained. Basically, once you fill a bin with a mix of green and brown matter, you move it from one bin to another every week or so. That leaves you an empty bin to start the process all over again. The turning and moving it helps keep the compost cooking, so to speak.
The chicken wire along the ends and the cedar boards in the front keep everything inside the bins.
I think the project turned out perfectly. We situated the bins right next to our garden area so we can easily move the compost to our plants.
We do the lidded small bucket inside and empty it daily. Much easier than multiple trips. We do have an enclosed composter for food scraps. Open piles + rural area = raccoon and vermin buffet. Something to consider.
Thanks for the advice on food – it’s definitely something we’ve been watching, being out in the country. How is yours enclosed?
We have one similar to this for only things that might attract animals.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Exaco-Thermoquick-160-gal-Composter-WB160/100659091/
I know some people who just cover the food stuff up, but I’m always paranoid about something digging it out.
When I had a compost bin at the old house, I just kept a cool looking red Zak bowl on the counter and tossed veggie/fruit scraps in there. It let them dry out a bit, as I had issues with compost being too wet before. I also read that cuttin scraps smaller helped them compost faster, so I used it as a chance to work on my knife skills.
Great tips! I’ve been keeping them in a tupperware in the fridge with scraps and it seems to be working okay.
My dad always made his own compost. Wish we’d have room for something like yours
Leave it to you to make fashionable compost bins! Kitchen scraps, including coffee grounds, eggshells and veggie trimmings all make great additions to the compost pile. Nice work, y’all! You’re invited to share this outdoor post on The Maple Hill Hop!
Daisy – I knew you’d have great tips. Any thoughts on things like cooked noodles? I couldn’t find a definitive answer.
I never, ever, thought I’d say this about compost…but those are some seriously good looking compost bins. You took something that could easily be an eyesore and made it far from it! Springtime at the barn is looking good Kim!
Kim you making composting look beautiful and now I want some bins too! Nicely done, thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous! We have a 3 bin system, made of pallets. I think we need to upgrade to cedar and chicken wire next time! And sliding fronts?! Genius. Our fronts are open, and it’s not a beautiful sight. We are very negligent about turning, but still get great compost for our raised beds. Living in Clay County (named that for a reason), Missouri, amendment is necessary!
Awesome! My mom has a compost barrel. I think we will eventually have to do something like that. You know once we actually start our garden. Are you going to have a little compost bin in your kitchen?
oh, those are awesome! We’ve been talking since we moved here about how we need compost pins, but we’ve yet to do anything about it!
well this is much better then my old garbage bins with holes drilled in them! haha. What I found most helpful was to keep a small bucket/container in the fridge to throw scraps in throughout the day, then when I let the dog out at night I’d just bring it with me and dump it in the bin.
this is awesome! i keep saying we are going to compost… we really need to. you inspire me in so many ways, kim. you’re such a great person.