» How to Compost

Compost Bins

What is compost and why is it good?

Have you ever wondered why some plants and gardens are lush and thriving, yet others are not? The amount and quality of nutrition in the soil, or lack thereof, plays an important role in the health of your plants. The soil is what provides plants their food and sustenance. The better the quality of their food, the stronger and healthier your plants will be.

Compost is a rich, nutritious soil typically made up of regular dirt and organic, biodegradable vegetable and plant waste. Manure from herbivores, or grass-eating animals such as horses, cows and sheep, as well as from certain omnivores such as pigs and chickens, can also be added to the mix. A little work and some patience are the only other things you’ll really need.

Chemical fertilizers can be expensive, especially if you need a large amount. They can be dangerous to handle and harmful to the environment, as toxins can build up over a period of time. Chemical fertilizers can also be too strong for fragile root systems and can actually burn them if not used correctly.

Learning how to compost is one of the best things you can do for your wallet, for your plants and for the environment. Because compost is made primarily with waste products, the ingredients are free. Compost is completely free of chemicals and will not harm your plants in any way. Recycling your organic waste into compost is also good for the environment in that it adds nutrients and permanently improves the soil. It also reduces dependence on landfills, which are over utilized as it is.

With compost, your plants and gardens will be healthy, strong and completely organic. Learning how to compost will also give you new skills in sustainable living. You will save money and feel good knowing that you are doing your part in improving the environment and in keeping our planet clean and natural.

How To Build a Compost Bin

Cinder/Concrete Block Compost Bin Plans

One great benefit of having a cinder block compost bin is that it will last many years. The front boards slide in and out. These plans can easily be modified to build just one bin or as many as you need. Pictures and details will give you ideas so you can easily build your own.

My Backyard Plans

Compost Sifter Plans

A compost sifter is useful if you want finer compost. A sifter will screen out larger material that may need more time. These D-I-Y plans can easily be modified to build a sifter for your needs.

My Backyard Plans

Free Compost Bin Plans

Wood and Wire Compost Bin (PDF)

This portable bin provides a convenient way to compost yard materials. It fits well in small places and may be used either as a holding bin or a turning unit.

Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center

How to Build a Rotating Compost Bin in 4 Easy Steps

Composting can be incredibly simple: Just pile up some food and yard scraps, and turn it with a pitchfork now and then. But if you want to speed up the process and keep it rodent-free, a rotating bin is worth a weekend of labor

Popular Mechanics

Compost Bins - Tumblers - Barrels at Amazon

Turns yard and garden debris - grass clippings, leaves, weeds, twigs, even kitchen scraps into a dark, rich, valuable soil amendment.

Amazon

World's Best Compost

If you want to discover for the very first time how to feed your plants as nature really intended, and do it without bins, tumblers, odor or turning

Worlds Best Compost