6 Ways of Creating Your Own Composting Machine
Composting as everybody knows is not a difficult, costly and time consuming process. Even the equipments and tools involved can be made available by just reusing any of your unused items stored in your backyard. If you're not into the build from scratch or crafting ideas, ready made composting items can be purchased quite easily and cheaply. I'll show you 6 different steps on how you can start composting, with the least fanciest equipment you can find.
Method 1 : Pile
The most simplistic idea ever. The only thing you'll need is an open area, measuring at least 3' x 3' x 3' for best results. There will be no supporting structure whatsoever to accommodate your composting activities within the defined area. Just throw in your composting materials and let the nature do its work.
Method 2 : Pallets
If you can find abandoned pallets, then you're in luck. But fear not, pallets can be easily purchased if you don't have any. Get at least a minimum of 4 pallets to form a 4 sided, open-top box. You may call it as a composting well if you want. The existing structure of the pallets which have empty spaces will allow a better air circulation throughout your composting process. Install a hinge on one of the pallets to create a door for easier addition of materials and for extraction purposes.It's a good idea to secure the 4 walls of the pallets together as well as to the ground for a better hold.
Method 3 : Concrete Cinder Blocks
The only drawback of this method is acquiring your own supply of cinder blocks, but this is probably a one time investment as this strong structure will get you going on for a long time. Start by stacking the blocks as high as you see fit. Air circulation is crucial, so stagger the blocks to allow proper circulation through the sides and back of the unit. To save excessive usage of the blocks, assemble a 3 sided composting unit. Provide a supporting wooden or iron posts to stabilize the overall unit structure. For a more organized structure, and provided if you have a lot of blocks to spare, you can create a considerably huge composting unit, divided into 3 areas of storage, for fresh, maturing and finished areas.
Method 4 : Wire (chicken wire or hardware cloth)
This method is relatively easy to implement. Get a galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth approximately 10' in length and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This measurement varies depending on the size of your unit you wish to build. You don't want to create a overly sized unit as the flimsiness of the wire structure might ruin your whole effort at certain point. Fashion the wire to form a cylinder or a well look alike structure. Get a couple of wooden or iron posts to hold the structure together. You can nail the chicken wire onto several posts on certain areas to give it a "backbone" before putting it up. Create a door with one of the ends so you'll have easy access to the contents.
Method 5 : Wood bin (single or multiple bin units)
When it comes to any conventional wood architecture, you obviously will need nails and the hammer. This method will require some carpentry skills and other tools that you may have to purchase. These units of design typically end up being larger than the other methods, so you might have to budget your available space should you want to go with this route. A permanent structure of this kind usually will require a slightly higher budget.
Method 6 : Ready-made composters
The simple buy it and use it straight away method. Nothing beats this, as you can find complete ready made composters at your local garden center or any online stores. Pre-fabricated units include tumblers, rotating barrels and boxes for the home gardener. Selection is huge, so you should have most of your options right in front of your eyes.
Happy composting!
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