What wood is best for a compost bin?
Rot-resistant lumber, like cedar,will last longer than other untreated woods, but it will also be more expensive; avoid using treated lumber, which can leach chemicals into your compost and garden.
Does a wooden compost bin need a lid?
Does a compost heap need to have a lid? It is not essential for a compost heap to have a lid. However, a lid does help to regulate both the temperature and the moisture levels.
Can you make a compost bin out of wood?
Commercial compost bins are created from all kinds of materials, but even so, wood remains one of the best options around. Not only is it economical, but it also helps with moisture levels in the pile. A bin with removable slats like this one can make for easy loading and unloading.
How do I protect my wooden compost bin?
As a result I tend to cover my (open) bins when the weather is very wet. A wooden cover on hinges is a good option, but plastic sheeting will work too. The other advantage of covering is that you keep some additional warmth in, helping to speed up the composting process.
How long does a wooden compost bin last?
How long do you want it to last? Plastic compost bins may not be the prettiest solutions, but they do tend to last for years. Wooden compost bins, on the other hand, can look rather sad after a couple of years, and if you don’t treat them may need replacing after 4-5 years.
Should a compost bin have holes?
Punch holes in it: Compost needs air circulation, so lots of holes are needed in the container. I have found smaller holes work better because they prevent compost from oozing out. Simply drill or punch holes along the sides, on the bottom, and on the lid.
Where should compost be in sun or shade?
You can put your compost pile in the sun or in the shade, but putting it in the sun will hasten the composting process. Sun helps increase the temperature, so the bacteria and fungi work faster. This also means that your pile will dry out faster, especially in warm southern climates.
What can I line my compost bin with?
To prevent animals from tunneling into a bottomless compost bin, line the base with hardware cloth or chicken wire. Use a material with the smallest openings you can find to keep the most critters from gaining access to your pile.
Do you have to layer compost?
Ideally, a compost pile should be made up in layers (Fig. 2.) The first layer should be coarse plant material, such as branches and twigs, to allow oxygen to circulate up through the pile. The second layer should be 6 to 10 inches of finer plant material such as leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps.