If you are just starting out, the easiest and most cost effective method of composting is just to make a pile in the corner of the garden. No cost involved.
Your pile should be at least 6′x6′ and about 5′-6′ high in the middle. If it is smaller than this, you will struggle to keep the temperature at optimum and it will take the produce much longer to decompose. As your pile deteriorates, it will spread out and shrink down, and although it can look a little untidy, it is the cheapest option.
photo credit: Steven Parker
If you live in an urban area, you will want to take this into consideration and locate your compost heap so that it is not an eyesore for your neighbours or passing travellers.
A cheap diy alternative is to build your own compost bin. This will keep your compost material nice and tidy and can be very inexpensively built from chicken wire, reclaimed treated wood or plastic containers. A wire bin can be easily made by tying together 2″x4″x36″ wire fencing into a hoop shape.
You could also opt for a three-bin system which you could build from a variety of materials. The principle is to have each bin of around 36″ square with a single lid and common internal sides. A three bin system comprises of one bin being the active compost pile with another being materials that are going to be composted. The third is often left empty for airation and easy of turning.
If you have a plastic trash can, you can cut the bottom off and drill twenty of more holes into the sides to allow air to flow.
So as you can see there are a variety of different cost effective composting ideas to look at. For a lot of people they prefer to get a rotating drum – because everything is clean and tidy and turning the pile is done with just the turn of a handle. You will pay a little more for the convenience, but it is well worth it if you don’t want to get your hands dirty.
After you have sorted out your composter, you’ll want a full list of what should and should not go into your composter in order to prevent any problems.
