How to make a compost bin with your own hands. Compost pit with your own hands. Manufacturing options step by step with a photo Do-it-yourself compost pit from pallets

Must have on your yard, or already has a compost heap. This building helps a lot in the life of a summer resident, because due to it, gardeners always have a good supply of organic fertilizer, without adding any chemicals, and other harmful environment for the human body.

This fertilizer is very easy to prepare if summer residents already have a serf heap. Gardeners put waste in the compost heap country life of vegetable origin, as well as food waste, surplus crops of fruit trees such as apple, pear. Some lovers of country life lay in the composter, for example, the most cut branches, after chopping with a hatchet, and also add sawdust and wood shavings. A rotten tree is also very useful for good growth plants in the beds. In general, everything that rots is added, and has vegetable origin, and sometimes not only vegetable.

And since the compost pit is arranged, everything is, as usual, as easy as shelling pears. This system includes several bunkers or boxes with open air access, and usually under the open sky, because atmospheric precipitation only helps to speed up the process of pouring the contents of the bunkers. This means that the first box serves to load the working material, and subsequent processing by means of decay of plant material. And the second box is already used to store the finished fertilizer, and for ease and simplicity of extracting the contents from the box, it is made collapsible from the working side.

This is essentially the whole simplicity and accessibility of this design.

Knowing about the huge benefits of a compost pit for suburban area, the author decided to erect on his land plot similar building. To always have fresh ecological fertilizer for your garden, and not to buy chemical growth stimulants for plants and vegetables.

The author decided to save as much as possible, and build this building from waste material such as pallets. This type of waste material has seriously established itself among the common people. What people don't make of this material, fantasy and possibilities are simply endless. Pallets can be obtained for free, which attracts people.

And so now let's consider what the author needed, and how he worked on the creation of this structure.

Materials: pallets.
Tools: circular saw, electric jigsaw, hammer, hacksaw.

And so, first of all, he prepared pallets, which he cleaned up from a neighboring construction site, for which they even thanked him.

With the help of a nail puller, he cuts the pallets into individual boards.

Further, he proposes to consider the drawings of the future composter.

Then the author circular saw cuts according to the given dimensions of the workpiece.

And then proceeds to assemble the entire structure.

Glue small sticks on the glue.

A competent summer resident knows for sure that weed grass in the garden can bring not only harm, but also benefit - at least it can be used to make compost, which, in essence, is an excellent fertilizer. Compost is made either in a special pit or in a specially equipped box, which will be discussed in this article. Together with the site site, we will deal with the question of how to make the right compost box with your own hands?

Compost box in the country house photo

DIY compost bin: what to make

To make compost in the country, people use various improvised materials. Some simply dig holes and throw torn weeds into them, others adapt old ones (barrels, boxes, etc.) for this purpose, and still others take the matter of making compost so seriously that they build special boxes for this purpose. Naturally, the most optimal material for the manufacture of this device is wood - of course, they don’t buy it on purpose, but use a used one. For example, disassemble unnecessary wooden crafts- in most cases for building and other materials. The board used for them is usually good and it fits perfectly for such a device - a pallet compost box lasts a very long time.

Pallet compost bin photo

In addition to such wood, you will additionally need wooden beam with a section of 50 by 50 mm, a large pile of self-tapping screws, trimming of the UD drywall profile (guides will be made from them, which will allow you to get easy access to the finished compost, usually located at the bottom of the box). Also, it will not be superfluous to think about tools - the boards will need to be cut, and the screws to be screwed. In addition, you will need a shovel to install shields - in principle, this is a standard country tool that is available in any country house. And one more thing - despite the fact that solid wood is used for the manufacture of pallets, it will not be superfluous to take care of its safety. Impregnate with an antiseptic composition and, if possible, paint - after such processing of wood, a compost box made from it will last a very long time. You can see how to make a compost bin with your own hands in this short video.

How to make a compost bin with your own hands: dimensions and layout

In principle, no one will give you any exact dimensions of compost bins - for the most part, their dimensions are determined by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe cottage (or rather, the amount of grass pulled out per year) and the size of the source material. You have boards with a length of 2000 mm, which means that the dimensions of the box should be adjusted to fit them. This will not work with pallets, since their width is approximately 1000mm - not enough, of course, but there is a way out. You just have to do not a single box, but a double one. On the one hand, this is even better - you get a two-year compost bin. In one you load the grass this year (next season it will be used as a ready-made fertilizer), and the mowed grass will be loaded into the second compartment. Thus, compost in the required quantity is at your disposal.

How to make a compost bin in the country

This is with regard to the design of the compost bin - we have decided on it. Now you can safely do preparatory work. They are not difficult, and all you need to do is three things.

1. First of all, mark a rectangle with a size of 1115mm by 2230mm in the selected place of the summer cottage and install four pins in its corners, on which to pull the thread.
2. According to the stretched thread along the long side of the box (on both sides), at a distance of 1115 mm from any corner, install a couple more pins - these are the middle racks that divide the product into two equal parts.
3. Dig holes 300-400 mm deep in the places marked with pins.

In principle, this is all the preparation, having finished with which it will be possible to safely proceed to the manufacture of the box itself - this is what we will do next.

How to build a compost bin: do-it-yourself assembly

By and large, the process of making a compost box in the country with your own hands is not so complicated. It can be presented in the form of the following sequence of works.

In principle, this is the whole correct compost bin. The only thing that can be added here is to build a lid, which will turn out to be a very useful addition - at least a compost bin equipped with a lid looks aesthetically pleasing. You yourself understand that without it it will be an ordinary pile of garbage, even though it is folded into wooden box. This is optional - if you don't want a lid, so be it.

And in conclusion, the topic of how a compost pit is made with your own hands, I will say a few words about finished products of this type. If time does not allow to build such a structure on your own, almost exactly the same box can be purchased at a hardware store. At the same time, it will cost twenty times more - when making a box with your own hands, all you need to purchase is self-tapping screws for wood. Everything else can be obtained absolutely free.

More and more gardeners are leaning towards the decision to acquire a compost bin on their site. Why the time and money to dispose of plant residues, if you can easily turn waste into useful fertilizer. A compost bin will help with this. In the article we will tell you how to make a compost box with your own hands, we will give instructions and drawings.

Design features of the compost bin

There is a widespread opinion that it is quite possible to do without a container, and simply put the raw materials on a pile. Like, our ancestors did this for many centuries in a row. Nobody argues, but in modern gardens this method is the most inconvenient and ugly. Its negative side:

• Compost needs to be shoveled from time to time, but it is difficult to do this on a heap - the mass is spreading.
• When watering, a large amount of humus is lost, because it flows from the surface of the heap and is absorbed into the ground.
• Unsightly appearance and a very peculiar smell.

Avoiding these shortcomings is easy if you put plant debris in a compost bin. Moreover, it is not difficult to build it, given optimal dimensions designs. For the convenience of laying and forming the mass, the container is made in the following sizes:

• Height - 1 - 1.5 m,
• Width - 0.5 - 0.7 m,
• Length - 1.5 - 2 m.

It is these values ​​that allow you to approach the box from all sides in order to place and remove the contents, water and mix the compost. It is also important to take into account the approaches to the container with a trolley into which the finished fertilizer is loaded. That is why, around the box, the platform should be 1 m larger on each side in order to form a 0.5 m approach to all walls of the container.

It makes no sense to build a larger box. If the waste does not fit into one, then it is better to make several containers of the recommended sizes.

Step-by-step instructions for making a compost bin from start to finish

The sequence of work is as follows:

Step 1.

"A" - 1000 mm, "B" - 1000 mm, "C" - 500 mm.

Step 2 Prepare materials. The container will need the following details:

Name	Dimensions	Quantity
wooden bars	Section - 50 x 50 mm, Length - 1000 mm	12 pcs.
Wire mesh with a mesh size of 15 mm	Size 1000 x 1000 mm	4 things.
screws	65 mm each	60 pcs.
Loop hooks with earrings	Length 60 – 80 mm	8 pcs.
galvanized staples	—	100 pieces.

To do the job, you will need the following tools:

1. Yardstick.
2. Pencil with a soft lead - "M", "M - 1", "M - 2". In foreign marking - "B", "B - 1", "B - 2".
3. Construction triangle.
4. Hacksaw for wood (or jigsaw),
5. Drill and drills with a length of 135 mm, a cross section of 3 mm.
6. Screwdriver.
7. Gun for metal brackets.
8. Pliers.
9. Awl,
10. Metal scissors.
11. Hammer.

Step 3 Cut wooden blocks to a length of 1000 mm for the frame of the box. All you need is 16 pieces.

• Cut the bars into supports with angles of 45 0, 450 mm long - 16 pcs. From the prepared parts, assemble the frame in this order:
• Connect with screws in the form of a square 4 bars, forming the wall of the box.
• Horizontal crossbars "B" are attached to the side bars "A". The corners are fastened with additional constrictions "B".

Tip #1 It will be easier to fasten the parts with screws if you drill holes first. This will keep the wood from cracking.

Step 4 In this way, you need to build 4 frames. Attach a metal mesh to each frame using galvanized brackets. The distance between the brackets is approximately 5 - 7 cm. It is easier to do this when the frame lies on a flat horizontal surface. When hammering in the staples, you need to pull the mesh tightly with pliers.

Step 5 Connect the frames together with hooks and earrings.

Hooks and earrings are attached to the bars at a distance of 150 mm from the edge.

Step 6 Fasten the frames together with hooks. This design ensures good aeration of the compost. Collapsible walls facilitate access to the finished product. For the winter, the box can be disassembled and hidden. To build such a box, you do not need to have special building skills. A novice master can cope with this task.

Compost bins are often made of wood, plastic, metal, and other materials. building materials.

Tip #2It is important that the materials do not release harmful substances that can get into the compost and then into the soil in the form of fertilizers. For example, slate, asbestos pipes and other aggressive materials should not be used in compost containers.

Among gardeners, the following materials are popular:

• Tree. The service life of the product depends on the type of wood, but more often used pine boards and bars. Sometimes the walls of the box are formed from plywood, fiberboard, chipboard. In this case, it is better to store the box in winter in a room with a positive temperature, for example, in a barn.

• Plastic. If after the construction of the house there are scraps of siding left, it can be used in the construction of a container. On wooden poles stuffed strips plastic lining, with an interval of 5 - 7 cm. It turns out a lattice box, the service life of which is determined by the siding warranty. The manufacturer calls - 15 - 20 years.
• Metal. IN modern construction often use corrugated board. It is most suitable for a compost bin, since its surface is protected from corrosion. Cloths are mounted to the supports, both in solid sheets and in cut strips.
• Brick and concrete. The most fundamental structure is built of brick and concrete. Such a box is deepened into the ground by 50 cm, walls 0.5 - 1 m high are built on top. The bottom of the building remains earthen. This allows air to circulate freely.

How and with what to cover the bottom to speed up composting

Sometimes gardeners use full-fledged boxes with a sealed bottom for compost. Such containers save everything useful material that accumulate in the plant mass. But if the container has only walls and an earthen bottom, then it must be equipped so that when watering, useful substances are not washed into the soil.

To do this, a drainage is formed in the lower part of the box. The bottom is lined with branches hardwood or spruce branches. Suitable for bark, straw, wood chips and other large plant waste. They will protect the compost from excessive earth dampness and provide air circulation. Drainage is laid in a layer of 20 - 25 cm.

How to choose the best place for a compost bin

Compost cannot be placed anywhere, first you need to take into account a number of conditions:

Condition	Description
Lighting	Do not place the compost bin in the scorching sun. From high temperature raw materials will dry out, and putrefactive processes occur with sufficient moisture. It is better to place the container in a shady place.
Airing	There must be an open space around the box for air access.
Free approaches from all sides of the structure.	This is necessary in order to evenly fill the container, freely water and mix the contents, and easily remove and transport ready-made fertilizer on a trolley.
Remote location from residential premises and recreation areas.	This recommendation is related to the specific smell emitted by the compost.

When installing a container, you need to take into account not only the proximity of your own buildings to the compost, but also those of your neighbors.

What to add to make compost in a box

To prepare homemade fertilizer, you can add the following organic waste to compost:

• Mowed lawn or meadow grass.
• Weeds without seeds.
• Dry leaves without signs of diseases and pests.
• Chopped straw and wood chips.
• Food waste other than meat and fish leftovers (they attract rodents).
• Organic fertilizers in the form of bird droppings and manure.

• Waste products of dogs and cats, they may contain harmful helminths and microorganisms that, when they get into the soil with compost, are transmitted to humans.
• Plants treated with pesticides.
• Fresh sawdust, when decomposed, "eats" the nitrogen contained in the compost.
• Glossy paper printed with heavy metal inks.
• The contents of the dust container, as it may contain harmful substances from the work of household appliances, air fresheners, household chemicals.
• Slate, asbestos, drywall, even in small form, because these materials contain substances harmful to plants.
• The leaves of walnut, oak, hornbeam, poplar, willow contain compounds that suppress other plants. These properties are preserved even when rotting.

Features of harvesting compost in bags, advantages and disadvantages of the method

Not every site will have enough space to build a stationary compost bin. Resourceful summer residents solved this problem with the help of bags. Plant residues and other organic waste began to be placed in plastic bags large sizes. The filling principle is the same as in a compost bin.

1. First, the raw material is placed in a layer of 20-30 cm.
2. Then lightly sprinkle with earth.
3. Add EM - preparations, evenly distributing them over the surface and watering
4. The procedure is repeated until the bag is full. Punctures are made in the bags to allow air to enter.

Sugar bags can be used. This material has good air permeability.

This method is good because

• Bags can be placed in any shady place.
• There is no wasted space for compost on the site.
• The closed bags protect from an unpleasant smell.
• You can save on building a container.

But there are also disadvantages:

• Bags can only be used once. From ultraviolet radiation and from a temperature drop, they are destroyed.
• You can mix the mass only manually, with a shovel or fork you can break the bag.
• In winter, the contents of the package freeze through, so it is better to store them until spring in a room with a positive temperature, for example, in a barn. Otherwise, beneficial microorganisms that process organic residues into humus will freeze and die. Read also the article: → "".

Rubric: "Questions and answers"

Question #1. Is it better to make a compost bin yourself or buy a ready-made one?

It depends on several factors:

• An area that you can set aside for compost. If the area allows, stationary boxes are usually made.
• You can build a container from improvised materials left after construction or repair - boards, corrugated board, siding, and finally from pallets.
• Purchased containers can be moved from place to place, if necessary, but they are expensive.

Question #2. What is better compost pit or box?

It is inconvenient to mix the compost in the pit and choose ready-made fertilizer from it. In the box, air access is more active and the process is faster. It is much easier to lay raw materials, mix the mass and get the finished product out of it

Serious mistakes gardeners make when creating and installing a compost bin in the country with their own hands

Mistake #1. Using harmful materials to make a compost bin.

It is strictly not recommended to use asbestos-containing materials. Upon contact with water and putrefactive bacteria, harmful substances are released into the compost, which enter the plants along with the fertilizer. Vegetables grown in this way are dangerous to human health. In Europe, the production of such materials is prohibited!

Mistake #2. Bookmark in the compost products of vital activity of humans and domestic animals.

The better the quality of the soil, the richer the crop grown on this land will be. But it happens that the initial data is not very good, and you have to fertilize the soil. To do this, you can use various fertilizers, but it is best to make a compost pit, which will become a source of environmentally friendly material. Consider how a do-it-yourself compost pit should be made: manufacturing options and materials suitable for this purpose.

In order to understand how to properly make a compost pit, you first need to figure out what it is used for. Typically, a compost pit is used to dispose of organic waste, which, as a result of the decay process, turns into organic fertilizer. There are many design options and each owner can only choose the most suitable option for themselves.

A compost heap does a great job of utilizing grass clippings and fallen leaves. Under the influence of time, moisture and microorganisms, all this turns into a fertilizer that can be used to grow any type of crop, both in gardens and in the garden.

Make a compost heap organic fertilizers it’s not difficult at all with your own hands, especially since there are many ideas for self-implementation that can be used as a basis. You can make a compost pit yourself using pallets, which are usually used for transporting and storing building materials. They can be bought at a fairly low price, or quite possibly just found on your own site.

How to make a compost pit in the country: choosing a location

Speaking about the arrangement of the compost heap, one cannot but mention the importance of its correct location. First of all, the structure must be sufficiently removed from residential buildings. In addition, the place of its installation should be well blown by the wind in order to avoid stagnation of air and the concentration of an unpleasant odor emanating from it. In addition, access to the compost must be ensured so that the process of adding raw materials or removing ready-made fertilizer takes place as comfortably as possible.

Helpful advice! In order for the decay process to proceed faster, it is recommended to periodically mix the layers inside the pile. Therefore, even at the stage of planning and arrangement, it is worth considering how this can be done.

In addition, the following criteria for selecting a site suitable for a compost pit should be taken into account:

• the chosen site should be located at a sufficiently large distance from any sources of drinking water, such as a well or well. The distance between these objects must be at least 25 m;
• if the site is not located evenly, but under a slope, then you need to make a compost pit below the water level (preferably at the lowest point of the site). This will prevent rotting runoff and clean water from entering;
• you should ask in advance about the most frequent direction of the wind, since the pit often becomes a source of a rather strong and unpleasant smell, and can cause discomfort to both you and your neighbors;
• it is worth taking care that there is not only a free approach to the pit, but also enough space to be able to bring waste or remove ready-made compost using a wheelbarrow.

Helpful advice! For a compost pit, it is advisable to choose a shaded place, since Sun rays negatively affect the process of decay, significantly slowing down the composting process.

What can and cannot be put in a compost pit

In order for the fertilizer obtained as a result of decay to be of high quality and bring benefits to plants, and not harm, each summer resident needs to familiarize himself in advance with the list of those products that may or may not be added to compost. So, for composting are great:

• grass, weeds, leaves, hay, straw, etc.;
• berries, fruits and any peelings from them (raw);
• waste from wood products that have not been painted;
• paper products (napkins, bags, cardboard) in crushed form;
• waste from the preparation of tea, coffee or cereals;
• branches and roots of trees after grinding;
• needles;
• herbivore manure (biennial only);
• wood ash.

Important! The percentage of cleanings from products such as potatoes and tomatoes in the compost should not exceed 15-20%.

• any plants that have been affected by pests;
• plants affected by diseases powdery mildew, late blight, etc.;
• excrement of domestic animals, as they can be infected with helminth eggs;
• bones and leftovers from meat products. They will provoke an extremely unpleasant odor, and will also become food for rats;
• inorganic waste - plastic, rubber, synthetic fabrics and metal;
• plants that have been treated with herbicides;
• the remains of cabbage, the rotting of which provokes an extremely strong and bad smell.

As for the composting of weeds, experts recommend putting them in a separate pile, which is covered with a film on top. So, the risk that the plants will take root again is excluded and one can count on their death with one hundred percent probability.

If you add weeds to the general pile, then you often have to deal with the fact that perennials take root, especially if, as a result of regular watering or rain, the humidity is quite high.

Important! To speed up the process of decay of waste, it is recommended to pre-grind them. This is especially true for elements such as branches, roots and paper products.

Having figured out what can and cannot be put in a compost pit, it remains only to familiarize yourself with the rules for caring for waste in order to ensure that it rots as efficiently as possible. Moreover, the duration of the period during which compost will be formed directly depends on the correctness of the care carried out:

• Humidity is the most important indicator that affects the decay of waste and the formation of compost. In order to support desired level, recommend periodically watering a bunch of watering cans. At the same time, it is important that in the end it turns out wet, but not wet, since an abundance of water will adversely affect the viability and activity of bacteria;
• once a month, you need to carefully stir up the pile, thus ensuring the access of oxygen. This allows the waste not only to rot, but to burn out. At the same time, if there is no way to completely dig everything up, you can use a pitchfork and pierce a bunch in as many places as possible;
• to accelerate the maturation process of compost, the addition of nitrogen is required, which is found in large quantities in the green parts of plants, as well as in slurry.

The formation of high-quality compost usually takes 1-1.5 years. During this time, almost any waste and residues will fully decompose. The readiness of the compost can be recognized visually and by smell. The finished mixture is a crumbly mass Brown and has the smell of forest land.

Compost pit: what is it and why is it needed

The issue of compost application is one of the most popular. After all, not every summer resident knows how and why to use the resulting mixture, and how great its benefits are. In fact, you can fertilize the soil with compost for almost any plant. Cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and pumpkins respond best to such top dressing. The result can be seen already in the next harvest season - the fruits grow large, have a bright and rich color, taste and aroma are well pronounced.

But there are also plants for which compost is not so useful. For example, root crops, tomatoes, melons and watermelons should not be abundantly fertilized in this way, as this leads to the fact that the yield decreases, and the amount of green mass, on the contrary, increases.

Strawberries respond well to compost, especially if you first cut it “at the root” and overlay it with a semi-decomposed composition. Then all this needs to be watered, and all that remains is to wait for new fresh foliage, as well as a bountiful harvest next season.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options and design requirements

In order to properly build a compost pit, you need to understand how the compost heap should be arranged. There are many options for making your own hands, but first of all, you should pay attention to the fact that it should consist of three parts. In this case, you need to install 8 support posts, each of which must be processed with a protective agent.

Helpful advice! Machine oil, fuel oil or even tar can be used as a protective composition for posts.

A fence can be used as a fence on one of the sides, and boards are better suited for the rest. Partitions are constructed from them, in which holes for ventilation are necessarily left. This contributes to the process of decay. Also be sure to install a door that allows you to access the compost.

Making a compost pit in the country with your own hands involves ensuring the proper level of ventilation and at the same time protecting the contents from precipitation. So that the compost heap does not turn into a swamp, it must be covered with a special lid of a suitable size during the rainy season. And if the weather conditions are not too severe, then it is quite acceptable to use plastic wrap for this purpose.

Another option is to use construction pallets that are pre-disassembled. Using circular machine, boards can be divided into individual elements, and then assemble a suitable design from them. In this case, it is better to fasten the boards vertically. The front board can be fixed with adhesive composition. To give such a structure stability, it is necessary to use building level and trim the bottom rails.

It is also important that the height of the walls of a homemade composter be such that it is convenient for a person of any height to add, turn and remove compost.

Interesting! You can pay attention to the designs of compost pits made according to Finnish technology. In this case, some of the design features, for example, when you extract humus from one compartment, it is automatically filled with raw materials from the next one.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options, photo examples

The type of compost pit is determined based on several factors. One of them is the installation method. Consider all the existing options:

• allocation of a certain place for organizing a compost pit. At the same time, a foundation pit is initially prepared, which is very similar to a well, but at the same time has a smaller depth. The walls of the pit are additionally strengthened to prevent shedding of the soil and are sheathed with an indent of 20-25 cm from the bottom. This distance is necessary in order to provide the microorganism with free access to waste;
• Another option is to install garden plot a special container designed to collect waste and process it into compost. This method allows you to get the finished product at any time. This design is based on a pit with formwork, as well as a special box made of boards. When implementing this option, it is extremely important to pay due attention to the organization of ventilation;
• a do-it-yourself compost heap is the easiest way to solve the problem. To do this, it is enough to make a substrate consisting of sand, gravel and dry grass. Waste is simply stacked on top, which over time will begin to rot.

Related article:

Detailed construction technology of structures: soil preparation, frame manufacturing, its installation and filling.

You can make a compost bin with your own hands using a variety of various technologies and instructions. The proposed designs may differ in the materials that are required for work, dimensions, properties and ease of use.

Helpful advice! Regardless of the type of structure chosen, before starting the laying of raw materials inside the structure, it is necessary to thoroughly loosen the bottom and install ventilation holes.

DIY compost bin: manufacturing options and instructions

Before you make a compost pit with your own hands, it is advisable to consider how you can more options and structures that can be used for this purpose. We will analyze in detail the instructions for making the most popular boxes made from various materials.

Garden compost bin: features of installation and operation

A garden composter may well be presented in the form of a large box, divided into several sections. Usually they make two or three compartments, but experts strongly recommend stopping at the option with three sections, since each of them has its own purpose: the first one is used for laying waste, the second one is for waste ripening, and the third one stores ready-made compost.

Depending on the individual wishes of the owner, the composter can be stationary or mobile (move on wheels). In this case, the recommended height of the box should not exceed 1 meter, and the size of each section should be about 1-1.5 meters.

Important! All wooden elements must be treated with special protective composition designed to provide the material reliable protection from harmful insects, as well as exposure to moisture.

To make a compost bin with your own hands, you need to follow the following procedure:

1. 8 wooden blocks are dug into the ground;
2. With the help of boards, also previously opened with a protective compound, partitions are constructed. To do this, they are attached to supports at a certain distance from each other.
3. In the front part, two compartments should be sheathed only to the middle, and only one lower board is nailed to the third. Doors are mounted on the first two from above.
4. The back and end parts are completely sheathed.
5. The entire structure is covered with two layers of moisture-resistant paint.
6. Finally, handles, latches, etc. are attached.

At the bottom of such a box, drainage must necessarily be laid, which may consist, for example, of dry tree branches. Immediately after this, you can proceed directly to the laying of waste inside the structure.

How to make a compost pit in the country using wooden boards

compost pit – perfect solution, if necessary, do not spoil the appearance of the site with the appearance of a pile of waste. The formation of fertilizer in such a design takes much longer, and in order for the process to proceed as correctly and efficiently as possible, it is important to take care of the proper arrangement and ensure access to the right amount of oxygen in advance.

Work procedure:

1. First of all, it is necessary to dig a compost pit, the width of which will be 1.5 m, the length is 2 m, and the depth is about 1 meter.
2. Need to dig into the corners wooden blocks, observing the indentation from the walls of 20 cm on each side.
3. In increments of 5 cm, boards are attached to these posts.
4. The resulting box is divided into two parts using a wooden shield.

The bottom of the compost pit is filled with a ten-centimeter layer of tree bark, branches and straw. Such a mixture will take on the role of drainage, which will allow excess moisture and additionally ventilate the raw material.

Initially, only one of the compartments should be filled with waste. Then, when one is half full, the compost must be transferred to the second compartment. This procedure will allow you to enrich it with oxygen as much as possible.

Important! The bottom and sides of the composter do not need to be covered with anything so that earthworms can freely get inside, which take an active part in the waste processing process.

How to make a slate compost bin

Slate is a durable material that is great for creating a structure designed to collect and process organic waste into compost. The procedure for creating a suitable design consists of several stages:

• choosing a suitable location and taking measurements to determine the appropriate size of the pit;
• according to the marks, a not too large recess is dug, in the corners of which supports are installed, which can be used as boards or metal pipes;
• slate sheets are installed along the perimeter of the pit;
• using the same sheets, the resulting container is divided into several parts (two or three).

The use of this design is carried out in accordance with all the same recommendations that are given for compost pits made of wood.

How to make a concrete compost pit in the country

With a little more time and attention given to the process of arranging a compost pit, as a result, it can last several decades without any problems. To do this, it is enough to concrete it. You can do this in the following way:

• you need to dig a hole about 80 cm deep, 2 m wide and 3 m long;
• make a formwork inside the pit;
• then you need to prepare a solution consisting of sand, gravel and cement. To do this, pour 5 liters of water into a bucket and add 5 kg of sand and cement to it so that the ratio of dry components is 3: 1;
• the resulting solution is poured into the formwork;
• using wooden planks and a chain-link mesh (a metal frame is also suitable), a cover is being built for the pit.

It is very important that in the case of using boards for mounting the cover, there should be a distance between the elements necessary for normal ventilation.

Compost pit using Finnish technology: the secrets of mounting the structure

The main requirement for structures made according to Finnish technology is compliance with certain dimensions. The height and width of the box must be the same and be 1 m. This is extremely important, because in a smaller box the raw material will simply dry out, turning not into compost, but into dust. Big sizes otherwise unacceptable - in this case, there is a risk of burning the contents from too high a temperature.

For the manufacture of such a structure, it is best to use wood. Slate in this case is not a very suitable option, since structures made from it are characterized by a longer period of waste decomposition. Again, cheap and yet quite convenient option- Finnish compost pit made of pallets.

Algorithm for assembling a compost pit using Finnish technology:

1. From wood pre-treated with antiseptic agents, a box frame of the desired size is assembled.
2. Then the finished frame is sheathed with boards. The boards are tightly placed only on the partitions separating the compartments. On the side walls, the boards should be located with an indent of 1 cm.
3. The back wall of the structure is also sewn up with boards at a distance of 1 cm.
4. The bottom of the box is covered using a slab. At the same time, it is also important to maintain some distance between the elements so that excess liquid can be effectively discharged.
5. In the lower part of the front wall of the structure, a small door is equipped, the height of which is usually 30 cm. It is fixed using ordinary door hinges.
6. The roof of the structure is made gable, while one of the slopes is attached to hinges so that it simultaneously acts as a door, making it possible to fill waste inside.

Interesting! In one box, the size of which is 1 × 1 m, you can prepare an amount of compost sufficient to fertilize a plot of land of 5-7 acres.

Compost pit-bio toilet: what is it?

Another special type of compost pit is a dry closet, which is able to turn human waste products into compost. It is a structure consisting of two containers, the volume of each of which is 80 liters.

The use of this type of dry closet is as follows: after visiting the toilet, you need to turn a special handle, which is responsible for supplying a portion of a special mixture consisting of peat and sawdust. Thanks to this mechanism, the mixture is distributed evenly and falls asleep the waste that has got inside.

It is quite possible to use such a dry closet composter and not too much for disposal. a large number food waste, simply throwing it inside and falling asleep with a dry mixture. When the first container is completely filled, it must be moved aside and replaced with the second one, which can be used in the same way. At this time, the first container will contain the compost mixture, completely ready for use.

Important! The compost obtained in such a composter will be very concentrated. This must be taken into account, and before introducing it into the soil, it is necessary to dilute the mixture with soil, sand or peat.

Criteria for choosing a ready-made composter for giving

At the same time, an increasing number of owners of suburban areas are seeking to move away from the use of improvised designs giving preference to purchased models. Consider what advantages and disadvantages ready-made designs have, and what parameters you need to pay attention to Special attention before making a purchase.

In most cases, preference is given to simple and convenient composters that are easy to assemble and operate on their own. But since the number of offers on the modern market is extremely large, it is up to you to decide on the most suitable option it gets really difficult. As a guide, experts recommend using certain criteria, since models can be:

• collapsible or solid;
• with temperature sensor;
• with a special device that allows you to loosen the contents;
• with a mesh instead of a bottom, which provides protection against rodents;
• various shapes and sizes.

Composters also differ in the material that was used for manufacturing. So, plastic is the most popular today, because it has a low weight, which allows you to move it around the site without problems, and its service life is extremely long. If the structure is planned as stationary, then you can consider the option of acquiring a metal composter. On sale you can find wooden models, but they are not very common due to their short service life and exposure to external factors.

How to choose and buy a compost pit: an overview of the most popular brands and models

As examples, we can consider several composters that are most popular and have received many positive reviews from users.

Composter L&T Globe: features and specifications

This model is highly regarded by permanent residents country houses, since it can be used throughout the year, and not every product can boast of this. The L&T Globe was developed by Finnish specialists who took into account the harsh weather conditions of the local climate. This allows the composter to function without problems even in the most severe winters.

Another advantage of this model is the absence of small and heavy parts, so it is quite easy to operate the device. The working volume of the container is 310 liters, and durable polyethylene was used as a material for the manufacture. In order for the system to function even in the cold season, a 15 mm thermal insulation layer was provided, which allows maintaining the optimum temperature inside.

Due to the small height of this composter, a person of absolutely any height can fill and empty it. Moreover, for even more comfort, the design provides a removable top.

Thus, all these design features allow creating the most favorable environment for efficient waste composting. The microclimate, which is maintained inside the tank, promotes the growth and development of microorganisms that can process waste. The developers did not forget about the ventilation system, which is presented in the form of drainage holes in the bottom of the composter.

Important! The ventilation system of this model can be used in two modes: summer/winter. It is important to make the switch in a timely manner, using a shutter specially provided for this.

Bulbeo composter: features and benefits

This model is the development of Italian specialists, which exists on domestic markets in two modifications differing in size (700 and 900 liters). Initially, this model was intended exclusively for the processing of plant waste, but, as practice shows, it also copes well with the composting of other organic waste.

This composter belongs to collapsible models and consists of separate parts that are simply assembled and, if necessary, disassembled again. This allows you to rearrange the container from one place to another and even transport it. Moreover, when disassembled, this design takes up very little space and can easily fit in the trunk of an ordinary car.

Among the main advantages of this choice are:

• the ability to get free access to the structure from six sides;
• it is convenient to take out the finished compost thanks to the hinged doors;
• on the site, this model looks quite aesthetically pleasing, because it resembles a flowering bud in shape;
• discreet dark green color allows you to organically fit the structure into any landscape design.

Durable plastic is used as a material for this model, which provides reliable protection of the contents from wind and strong temperature changes. According to the developers, the rounded shape of the walls contributes to the maturation of the compost.

Of course, there are also ventilation holes providing access required amount oxygen. Anyone can easily assemble this model, because it does not require any tools or additional fasteners. The finished structure weighs only 19 kg, and its height is 885 mm.

Compost pit products: features and benefits of use

Having figured out how to make a compost pile, many expect that they will soon be able to use the nutrient fertilizer made in it. But the reality is that the natural maturation of compost can last up to 2 years. Of course, you can just be patient and wait. But you can go the other way by buying special agent, which contributes to the maturation of compost and accelerates this process.

Interesting! The question of the use of excipients is especially relevant for those regions of the country where the warm period is short. If warm weather lasts only 2-3 months, then the compost ripening period has to be reduced artificially.

So, there are several drugs that are well suited for this purpose and are recommended not only by experts, but also by real users. They all have different names but, in general, the principle of their action is the same. As an example, consider the Tamir tool.

Tamir is an extremely complex drug, which includes a whole complex of microorganisms that in the natural environment are responsible for ensuring the decomposition of organic debris and waste. Due to the high concentration of these bacteria, the composting process is many times faster, and after 2-3 weeks, full maturation occurs.

It is worth noting that the compost obtained in this way is not completely decomposed waste and is somewhat different from the usual consistency. But its final decomposition will occur directly in the soil, which will bring even greater benefits to plants.

Important! It is believed that compost obtained as a result of the action of auxiliary preparations, as a fertilizer, is many times more useful than that which was obtained naturally. Therefore, answering the common question whether it is possible to use funds for compost pits, the answer is unequivocal - not only possible, but even necessary.

All funds of this type are used according to the following technology:

• if the heap has not yet been formed, then the drug is added on top of each new layer, after which it is all poured with water;
• in the already finished heap, you need to make a recess to the full height, into which the drug and water are added.

Other ways to speed up the maturation of the compost heap

In addition to complex preparations, other ways can be used to stimulate the processing of organic waste and the maturation of compost in the pit. Let's consider each of them in more detail:

• the use of rotted manure, which is quite capable of replacing biochemical preparations intended for composting. At the same time, it is forbidden to use fresh manure, as it can become a source of not only helminth eggs, but also weed seeds, pathogens, etc.;
• a solution made from ordinary yeast. To prepare it, you need 1 liter of water and about 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. To this is added 200 grams of sugar (1 cup). Such a solution is poured into the recesses made in the compost heap;
• herbal infusion. To improve the effect, it is mixed with chicken manure or slurry in a ratio of 5:2. It is important to know that the amount of nitrogen contained in fresh bird droppings is much greater than in manure, which means that the ratio should be different.

Helpful advice! In order to regularly get into the compost heap naturally bird droppings, you can install a feeder above it. This will greatly facilitate and speed up the process.

The methods of accelerating maturation also include artificial moistening of raw materials, their tedding and other measures designed to create the most comfortable microclimate for composting.

How to arrange a compost pit in the country with your own hands

Whatever design is chosen for making compost, it is unlikely that its appearance will turn out to be attractive enough in the end. Most likely, no one will want to look at the compost pit, so it will be useful to think about how you can use original design to improve its appearance.

The problem of masking the compost pit is especially relevant for small plots, since almost the entire territory is in plain sight. Although it happens that even for spacious plots, the owners use various design strategies to give the compost pit a more attractive look. So, in order to hide such an object, you can use:

• camouflage with plants and hedges;
• artificial decorations and stationary fences.

Works related to the manufacture of artificial fences are necessarily carried out in an open area located at some distance from the location of the compost pit. This is necessary in order to make it more convenient to work and to be able to move freely without being subjected to discomfort from the smell emitted by the heap.

The main requirement for such a fence is that it should hide the entire site from the eyes of guests and owners. That is, the compost heap should be completely hidden behind it, and the appearance of the fence should be as attractive as possible and be in harmony with the environment.

Much longer and somewhat more difficult to create hedges for this purpose. But they look much more natural and elegant. The main thing is to pay attention to the choice suitable plant so that in the end the hedge is not too bulky and lush, and does not break overall structure site.

Helpful advice! You can use light translucent screens entwined with vines as a fence. They do an excellent job with the task, and at the same time do not take up much space, so they are quite suitable for both large and small areas.

Best ideas for decorating a silo

Other elements, such as special screens or screens, can also be used to mask the place where the compost heap is located. Bamboo fences have proven to be excellent. Plants also look good if carefully planted in a row.

At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to equip a compost pit directly under fruit trees, as this can lead to their death. Between the compost and plants you need to maintain some distance.

The following design methods are the most popular:

• planted in a row fruit trees and berry bushes;
• potted gardens, placed on several levels to hide the entire structure;
• installation of a small architecture object: a gazebo or a fenced barbecue (of course, in this case, you should make sure that the unpleasant smell of decaying waste does not interfere);
• flower beds with tall plants;
• supporting wall.

Separately, it is worth noting the masking of compost heaps if a plastic container was used for them. In this case, it is not necessary to completely mask it. You can use it as a decoration of the site by painting it in a bright color and planting beautiful flowers around. You can draw any pattern on such a container, thus giving it originality.

It is easiest to work with small compost pits, which can be hidden with an abundance of flowers or even shrubs. By the way, the compost yard - perfect place for experiments related to the cultivation of new varieties of annual plants.

You can clearly see how composters are made and designed for giving with your own hands by watching training lessons and detailed instructions. It is enough to decide which design is best suited in a particular case, as well as take into account your own individual requirements and wishes. Otherwise, there will be no problems, since there are as many options for do-it-yourself compost pits as there are ready-made models.

How to make a compost pit with your own hands: video instruction

Grass cuts, potato peelings or cores - all this, instead of being thrown away, can be used as a natural fertilizer. You only need one in which compost will be made. And it can be quickly and cheaply made from four pallets.

Of course, you can buy a ready-made composter. However, it will cost much less to make one out of pallets, so it's worth a try. It's quick and easy to make and looks great in the garden.

1. Buy pallets.

For the composter you will need 4 pallets. They are made different sizes, mostly from 60x40 to 120x100 or 114x114 cm. Thickness from 12 to 14 cm.

2. Prepare the site.

Find appropriate place. It is undesirable to put the composter on compacted soil, because soil animals that decompose waste will not get into the composter through it. The place should be in the shade so that the compost does not dry out.

If you decide to make a composter, for example, on a terrace, and bring the worms by hand, then make a hard bottom under the composter.

3. Put the pallets together.

First, make a cube from pallets at the chosen place. Place each pallet on the ground with the long side, so the composter will be wider and easier to use.

4. Prepare your nails.

Connect the pallets with galvanized nails. Enough one on each upper corner.

5. Connect pallets from below.

Now drive in one carnation in each lower corner. You can connect the corners with large screws. So the composter will hold on tighter.

6. Compost.

After installing the composter, you can fill it with garden waste. A 100x120 cm pallet composter is sufficient for a medium plot. Smaller pallets can be used to build a low fence in front of the house, larger ones for a terrace.

If this amount of compost is not enough for the garden, it will not be difficult to increase the composter by adding three more pallets. So that the wood does not rot and the composter lasts longer, you can cover it with non-toxic paint, which will protect the wood from moisture.