Build Compost Bins From Chicken Wire

In previous posts we looked at how to build a compost bin from pallets and how to build larger wooden compost bins. I now want to show you how easy it is to make a compost bin from chicken wire. You may have a few old pieces hanging around somewhere, but if not don't worry. It is very inexpensive and you can buy it in fairly small rolls to save money.

Learning how to build a compost bin with this material is a very simple process but before I show you how to do it lets take a look at why we should make composting bins from this inexpensive material.

Why Make A Compostin Bin From Chicken Wire?

Firstly, as just stated it is very inexpensive so that is always good. You can buy it in a variety of grades and I recommend buying a roll where the gaps between the wire are as small as possible. This will mean that it will much better hold finer pieces of organic matter that you put inside it. The fact that it is so open will also mean that it gets plenty of air circulaing through it. This is very important if you wish to create quality compost. It needs air circulating to keep the contents aerated and to react correctly.

Apart from it being very cheap we also have the advantage that it is extremely long lasting. It will perform well for years to come. This is always a problem with wooden compost bins, especially in areas with lots of rainfall. A permanent material like this means that it will last for many many years to come.

How To Build A Compost Bin Easily

We have a number of options open to us. We can make garden composters either square or round as in the image. It is up to you to decide. Personally I would go for a square compost bin. To build compost bins in a square shape may be a little easier.

Decide where you wish to have your compost bin first. Somewhere out of the way is always adviseable. They are never the prettiest of things to look at. If you are going to build a square garden composting bin then this is what you will do:

Mark out the size of the square first. You will then want four sturdy poles that you will bang in to the ground at each corner. Alternatively, and this is my preference, when making your wire purchase buy four sturdy re-bars. Long iron or steel bars will last a lifetime and are very cheap from any builders merchant. Bang them in as deep as you can at each corner before doing anything else.

It is now a simple matter of wrapping the wire around this basic frame. Attach it at each upright for stability and to make it a little sturdier. As you get to the upright where you started from make sure you attach this last part with some cheap carabines or anything that will allow you to open up a section of the compost bin when the time comes. This is not necessary but the best composters will have easy access to the contents when the time comes.

That really is about all there is to it. A very simple way to build compost bins from very cheap materials. Compost bin designs don't always have to be complicated. One thing I will add is that if you do use iron bars as your uprights be sure to put something soft and bright on the tops. It would be very dangerous indeed if you were to bend down at hit these sharp bars.

As this design of compost bin is so open you will need to check it regularly to ensure it does not dry out. Add water when needed to keep the contents wet. In very dry spells I would advise putting an old piece of carpet, or something similar, over it on ocassion. This will keep the contents nice and moist and will help with composting process.

Happy composting. Do't forget to check the others posts on how to build compost bins for lots of great ideas.