Pallet Compost Bin

Step 8: Start your compost.

I've left the plastic off the door. I will have to experiment to see if it works with or without it.

My wife has already been starting a compost bin with a large storage bin from Walmart. Its done a great job. Just not big enough for our needs.

Good luck. I hope this helps you in your green endeavors.

Comments

[ei]

Thank you - this is just what I'm looking for, something easy to put together. This is going to be my weekend project.

[wanttobegreenthumb]

Has anyone experimented with a mesh-type floor for the finished product to fall thru? I really like the idea here. Am very new to this gardening thing and need all the help and suggestions I can get. I have an acre and a third yard, and my garden is 50 ft by 40 ft so I have lots to compost. Also live in the Dairy State so the weather is favorable and there is plenty of manure to add. What else do I need to know?

[kootsman]

Haven't seen any 'mesh' type bottoms. However, there are plans for a slanted 'hard' bottom to catch the drippings from the compost. Also, known as 'Tea'. This liquid is used on your plants. To complex to build on a budget. You definitely need something sturdy on the bottom so you can turn your pile. Good Luck.

[laconvert]

Great bin idea! We've had problems with mice and rats being attracted to our compost. Our local council has a good idea to line the bin with wire mesh on all sides. Then either cover the base of the bin with the mesh or put the mesh into the ground by a few inches to stop the mice/rats from digging down and getting into your compost from the bottom.

[dreino]

We actually welcome the mice (not the rats so much), since they tunnel thru the material and add air passages, as well as consume some of the stuff that won't break down as fast as we would like. We use beef cattle manure as a base ingredient for my compost, and it usually contains some whole kernels of corn. The mice dispose of this slow to compost stuff for me. We live out in the boonies, so there are mice everywhere anyway. We have three pallet composters, two of which are full at all times, with the third used to turn the other two into as required to keep the heat going.