Things You’ll Need:
10-feet of 36-inch wide 1-inch galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth
Heavy wire for ties
Four 4-foot tall wooden or metal posts
Tin snips
Pliers
Sledge hammer
The Steps:
1. If you are planning to use posts for your bin, you will first want to decide on an ideal location. Posts will provide more stability for the bin, but will make it difficult to move.
2. Fold the ends of the chicken wire or hardware cloth back so that it will provide a smooth edge that won’t cut or snag other materials.
3. Form the chicken wire into a barrel-like shape.
4. Cut some excess chicken wire into six-inch lengths to use as ties to securely hold the chicken wire in a circular shape.
5. Use pliers to attach the ends of the chicken wire together with the ties you cut in step 4.
6. Place wooden or metal posts around the inside of the wire circle. Make sure the posts are placed tightly against the wire bin and then pound them into the ground to provide support.
Tips: You can use either galvanized or non-galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth for your bin, but keep in mind that non-galvanized wire will not last as long.
A wire bin made without posts is not only easy to lift and move, but it will also provide easier access to compost at the bottom of the pile which finishes quicker.
Portable Bins
No matter what type of bin you make or purchase, you must be sure to choose a fitting location for it. Choose a location in the shade. If it is in direct sunlight it will dry out too easily. Be sure to have a water supply available. Find a level area of your yard that has good drainage. Although your compost won’t smell strong if every thing is going right, a strong smell is a common problem if the bin has too much water or too many scraps. Although this problem can be solved, you might want to choose a location far enough from your home so that you won’t be bothered if you have it.
The easiest compost bin to make is made out of a plastic pail with a tight fitting lid. Get a pail that is at least 24 inches tall or taller. Drill eight to ten small holes in both the bottom of the bin and the lid to aid with aeration. Start by filling 1/8 to 1/4 of the bin with dry leaves. Then add a layer of dirt so the bin is approximately 1/2 full. After that, you can add whatever kitchen and garden scraps you have to turn it into compost. Remember to only use plant matter-don’t throw any scraps of meat into your bin. Stir your compost every other day or so and in about two to three months you will have rich compost for your garden.