There are many different types of compost bins out there on the market from the flashy drums that can be rolled once or twice a day to the simple plastic bins. You can purchase bins at any lawn and garden store but how about making your own out of a recycled garbage can. This will make the compost area look neat and tidy and makes your compost bin easily moveable as well. You can use either a plastic or tin garbage can for this project.
First punch holes in the sides and bottom of the garbage can. (Not too big, but enough to get one finger inside the hole). Compost is generated by microbes that need oxygen in order to change the decaying matter into nutritious compost.
Next, chop plant debris into small pieces and place them inside the can. It is good to use 50 % green material and 50% dry material in your compost. Dry material can include shredded newspaper so if you place a bushel of green material in, also place a bushel of dry material. Research has proved that rabbit droppings from pet bunnies really boost the nitrogen in your compost. Since some rabbit owners use a combination of shredded pine and finely shredded newspaper for litter, add that as the dry material.
Spray water over the material in the can until it is damp but not soggy then put the lid on the can.
Place the can on several pieces of lumber, logs, or bricks to keep it off the ground. This will prevent rusting if using metal cans and also allow for air to circulate under the can.
Turn the can at least once a week (once daily is better.) To do this, lay it on the side and roll it around. (Cheaper than one of those fancy rolling type bins and just as good.)
Just make sure the lid doesn’t pop off when you do this. Duct tape will do wonders for keeping the lid on.
You can add more material at any time and keep the compost as moist as a wrung-out sponge by spraying it with water when the plant material starts to feel dry.
Your compost should be ready after about one month. Strain it through wire screen or chicken wire to strain out unfinished compost and spread it around to top dress garden beds or use as potting soil for indoor plants.
How do you really know the compost is ready? Feel the material in the can. Compost actually cooks in the can and once it is no longer warm to the touch - it is ready.
