A compost bin is a familiar structure to many gardeners, especially those whose soil is less fertile and requires constant fertilization. Buying and transporting compost to the garden is a hassle that requires both time and money. So, why waste money when you can produce fertilizer on your own land?
But compost requires a pit or a special structure. How do you make a compost pit yourself? What are the construction options (photos)? What are the nuances involved? Let's take a look at each step. Here are some of the most important ones: the most fertile zodiac signs.
What are the ways to set up a compost pit?
You can make a compost pit yourself using different manufacturing options (photo).
A simple pit
In this case, the concept of "hole" is taken literally; to bring the project to life, all that is needed is a dug hole. But even here there are some nuances that will help you dig a compost pit correctly:
- The place for the pit should be away from bushes and trees.
- To make the hole easier to maintain, it should not be too deep.
- The first layer, the fundamental one, should be made of dry branches and tree bark, hay.
- The second layer of food and plant waste is placed in the pit.
- To maintain a high temperature in the pit, it should be covered with film.
Advice: if the hole is located in a place where there is no shade, then it needs to be watered occasionally.
The advantage of this DIY compost bin construction method is that it doesn't take up much space and is very easy to build. The disadvantages include difficult maintenance and low temperatures inside the structure.
Tip: To prevent flies from breeding over the pit, when throwing out household waste, it should be immediately covered with a layer of grass.
A regular pile
This method of compost production doesn't look very aesthetically pleasing, but it's even simpler than a regular pit. Recommendations for preparation:
- On the site you should choose some less noticeable, unnecessary place.
- When the pile reaches a height of one meter, you should make holes in it and pour in special compost water, which will stimulate the rapid maturation of the compost.
- If you take proper care of the pile (loosen the pile, water it), then you can get fertilizer in as little as 3 months.
Important! No film or other material should be placed on the bottom of the pile, otherwise moisture from the ground will not reach the pile.
Tip: Once a month, you can add worms to the hole so that they saturate the pile with oxygen and loosen it.
The advantage of a compost heap is the minimal effort required to produce any amount of compost. The disadvantage, of course, is the aesthetics of the garden plot. What can be done for the plot? crafts from plastic bottles.
A hole made of wood and other materials
Another option for making a compost bin yourself involves using scrap materials to create a special compost bin. Slate, tree beams, and scrap metal can all be used to make the bin.
How to make a compost pit from wood:
- On the area of land where the box will be located, the top layer of soil (about 40 centimeters) should be removed.
- Pegs should be driven in around the perimeter of the chosen location.
- Build a fence around the pit using tree beams, slate or metal sheets.
- The fence should not be higher than 1 meter.
- The top of the box should be covered with film or plywood.
This method of making a compost pit with your own hands is optimal, since in this design the compost warms up well.
Advice: in hot weather the hole needs to be watered, after which the hole should be covered with film.
Concrete pit
A concrete compost pit is a useful option for those who expect a long-lasting structure. Once built, a concrete compost pit can be used for decades. Recommendations for preparation:
- The area for the pit is approximately 2x3 meters.
- A layer of soil (from 60 to 80 cm) is removed from the area.
- A 10 cm thick formwork must be made around the perimeter of the building.
- Mix the concrete solution.
- Fill the formwork with mortar.
- Once the concrete has set, the formwork must be removed.
- The waste should be placed in layers in the concrete structure and covered with film or wooden boards.
This DIY compost bin option requires a lot of time and materials. But its undeniable advantage is its longevity. How can make garden beds with your own hands.
Important! For a concrete structure, you should choose a piece of land that will definitely not be needed, since the structure will be impossible to move.
A compost bin is the ideal solution for those who want to produce their own fertilizer. The compost matures in three months to a year, depending on the chosen design, the size of the waste pile, and whether it's properly formed. Building a compost bin yourself isn't all that difficult; the key is to consider your resources and abilities and choose the best option.