The principle of composting

Composting is a natural process in which micro-organisms convert organic waste into compost. Two things are needed for this process, humidity and oxygen. Without enough oxygen, the waste will rot instead of composting. That is why a compost bin must be an open structure, with air circulation on all sides.

Where does your compost bin come?

You don’t want a compost bin too close to your terrace. A shaded corner of the garden, that remains a little moist even in the summer, is ideal.

A mesh compost bin

Materials

• Garden posts

• Wire mesh, for example fine-meshed chicken wire or plasticized garden wire

• Binding wire

Tools

• Sledge hammer or earth drill

• Spade

• Nippers

This is how you proceed:

• Lay out a square surface the size of the compost bin.

• Place the posts at the four corners. To do this, drill holes 50 cm deep with a ground drill or hit the posts with the sledge hammer into the ground.

• Dig a 15 cm deep groove between the posts at the rear and both sides.

• Secure the mesh with binding wire to the first post, the bottom of the mesh falling into the excavated groove. Stretch the mesh around the other posts and attach with binding wire.

• You can leave the front open or close it with a piece of mesh that you do not dig in, so that you can loosen it when you want to convert the compost pile or use the composted material.

Tip: instead of posts you can also use reinforcing bars, as the photo shows.

A compost bin from pallets

Old pallets are a great material for a compost bin. They are the right size and form a sturdy and at the same time airy construction.

Materials

• 4 pallets of the same size

• 4 angle irons

• 2 hinges

• Latch with eye

• Wood screws

Tools

• Screw drill

This is how you proceed:

• Screw the pallets for the rear and sides of the compost bin together with the angle irons, one at the top and one at the bottom.

• Attach the pallet at the front with the hinges and screw the latch on the other side. You now have a beautiful and sturdy compost bin with a door that can be opened and closed.

A compost bin from a garbage can

The garden starts to live again at the beginning of spring. The higher temperatures also ensure that the composting process starts, the conversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich garden soil. If you don't have a compost bin yet, it's now time to make one.

Materials

• A plastic garbage can with a tight-fitting lid

Tools

• Drilling machine

Ideal for a small compost bin in which you only want to compost fruit and vegetable waste. All you have to do is drill a large number of holes in the sides and bottom with your largest size drill. Place the garbage can on a few stones so that the air can circulate under the bottom.