4 steps to building backyard compost bins

One option for composting at home is to build a large bin from salvaged material, namely, wooden pallets. Follow these four steps to building a backyard compost bin you can access for a thriving, natural garden.

• First, you will need to find your pallets. A minimum of three (for three sides and one open end), but you could use up to eight (think: two structures with pallets for doors and floors)
• A slanted floor base can help to drain off any liquid your compost produces
• You may also want to consider using two side-by-side boxes to make turning your compost easier, but moving it from one side to the other is also fine
• You should be able to find discarded pallets for free at your local hardware store

• Next, you will want to lay the pallets out in your designated area to make sure the bin will fit.
• One thing to consider is the proximity to your neighbours' yards, as sometimes a compost bin can have a slight odour or attract a few pests
• Once you are sure your bin will fit and you've found a great spot, you can start putting it together

• The way you construct your compost bin depends on how secure you wish it to be. You can simply drill screws into the sides to connect them, or you can take it one step further and use galvanized wire to tie the sides together
• You could also consider attaching a pallet as a door on the front using hinges
• To add some stability, you can also secure posts down the corners

• Your compost bin is now ready. Make a layer of organic matter, such as cut grass, leaves, and soil
• As you discard your food scraps, make sure to avoid composting any bread, meat, or oil products, as they may attract vermin (although, if you bury them well, it may not be an issue)

It could take some troubleshooting at first, but soon you should have dark, nutrient-rich compost to use in your garden!