Build Compost Bins To Last

When we build compost bins we want them to at least last for a few years. This is one of the drawbacks of wooden compost bins, or so people believe. The reality is that even in wet climates wooden compost bins will last for a few years before they begin to rot. Added to this the fact that you can build compost bins for free from pallets or scraps of wood and they are well worth having to replace every few years. There are a few simple things we can do to make the compost bins that we do build last a while longer. This applies to wooden compost bins more than anything else.

If you learn how to build a compost bin from wire then it will last indefinitely but they often don't look quite as good. Of course, if you want the ultimate in an everlasting compost bin then get a tumbling compost bin on Amazon. I am still amazed at just how great these are at making compost quickly and, dare I say it, stylishly?

Tips To Build Compost Bins That Last

As just stated this applies mainly to wooden compost bins but some of the following points can also apply to any composting bin that you have built yourself.

First and foremost are the materials that you use. Get as good a quality as you possibly can. There are many varying grades and qualities of wood. Even free wood can be remarkably different. Get it as thick as possible and as hard as possible. The thicker it is the longer it will take to rot down.

I don't really recommend that you treat the wood as this can leach in to the compost so just aim for something as hard and thick as you can possibly get.

It is also worth remembering that your compost heap just needs to be damp. It does not need to be sodden. The wetter the heap is the quicker it will degrade whatever you use to make your composting bin. If you build compost bins then let them stay as long as possible by ensuring that the compost pile is not overly wet. The wetter it is the quicker you will be back out there building a new one.

Also never forget that you can cover the composting pile when it rains. We don't need all that additional moisture, it can actually make the compost heap take longer to work. If you cover it then the compost will degrade quicker and the compost bin that you have built will be there for a few years longer as well.

It is worth ensuring that you get a good airflow through your compost bin. This will keep the contents fresh and turning in to quality compost at a good speed, but will also allow the compost bin itself to dry out a bit. Again, this will help it last a while longer.

These are all fairly basic tips but they will help to ensure that if you build compost bins they will last for as long as they possibly can.