Outdoor Wood Frame Compost Bin

Outdoor Wood Frame Compost Bin (Standard Size: 3ft X 3ft X 3ft)

Materials List:

  • Lumber: 2x4s for the frame (12 ft total), 1x6s for the sides (54 ft total)
  • Deck Screws: 1 box (2 ½ inches long)
  • Wire Mesh: Enough to line the interior
  • Hinges: 2 (for the front panel)
  • Latch: 1 (for securing the front panel)
  • Tools: Saw, drill

Optional Sizes:

For a Larger Bin: Adjust the length of the lumber accordingly, for example, 4ft x 4ft x 4ft would require more lumber and possibly more slats for coverage.

Outdoor Wood Frame Compost Bin (Standard Size: 3ft X 3ft X 3ft)

Tools Needed:

  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Measuring tape
  • Staple gun

Building Instructions

  • Step 1: Frame Construction

    Build a square frame for the base using 2x4s, then construct and attach vertical supports.

  • Step 2: Slat Attachment

    Attach 1x6 slats horizontally to the frame, leaving small gaps between each for airflow.

  • Step 3: Interior Lining

    Line the interior with wire mesh to prevent compost from falling out and deter pests.

  • Step 4: Front Panel

    Attach the front panel with hinges and a latch for easy access to turn the compost or remove finished compost.

  • Step 5: Protection

    Optionally, apply a weather-resistant finish to the wood for longevity.

How To Manage Your Compost Bin Once It Is Built

Creating a compost bin, whether for indoor or outdoor use, is a sustainable way to manage kitchen waste, turning it into valuable fertilizer for your garden. Both setups, as described, are effective ways to start composting at home. Now, let’s discuss what to fill your compost bin with, how to use HVO Compost Starter effectively, and what items to avoid.

What to Add to Your Compost Bin

When filling your compost bin, aim for a balanced mix of “greens” and “browns.” Greens provide nitrogen, which is essential for compost microorganisms, while browns add carbon, aiding in the compost’s aeration and structure.

Greens Include:

  • Vegetable and fruit scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags (make sure they are plastic-free)
  • Fresh grass clippings
  • Plant trimmings from your garden

Browns Include:

  • Dried leaves
  • Straw and hay
  • Shredded newspaper, cardboard, and non-glossy paper
  • Wood chips and sawdust (from untreated wood)
  • Eggshells (crushed)

Using HVO® Compost Starter

HVO Compost Starter is designed to kickstart the decomposition process in your compost bin by introducing a concentrated mix of microorganisms that break down organic matter more efficiently. Here’s how to use it effectively:

  1. Initial Setup: After adding your first layer of greens and browns, sprinkle a layer of HVO Compost Starter on top before adding another layer of compost materials. This helps distribute the microorganisms evenly.
  2. Maintenance: Every time you add a new layer of kitchen scraps or yard waste to your compost bin, sprinkle a small amount of the compost starter on top. This will help maintain the microbial activity and speed up the composting process.

Best Things to Add to Your Compost Bin

For optimal composting, include a diverse range of materials. This not only ensures a balanced nutrient profile for the resulting compost but also promotes efficient decomposition. Remember to cut or shred large pieces to speed up the process.

What NOT to Add to Your Compost Bin

Certain items should be avoided in compost bins, especially in a home setting, as they can attract pests, cause odors, or lead to disease:

  • Meat, fish, bones, and dairy products: These can attract pests and create odors.
  • Diseased plants: These might spread diseases to your garden when used as compost.
  • Pet wastes: Dog and cat feces can contain pathogens harmful to humans.
  • Chemically treated plant material: This can harm the microorganisms in your compost.
  • Invasive weeds: Some weeds can survive the composting process and spread when the compost is used.

By following these guidelines and incorporating HVO Compost Starter, you can create a thriving compost system, reducing waste and enriching your garden soil with valuable nutrients.

How To Harvest Your Compost

Harvesting and utilizing your compost not only completes the organic recycling cycle but also significantly enriches the soil in your garden, enhancing plant health and yield. By integrating HVO Organic Fertilizer and continuous application of Hawaiian Bokashi Inoculant, you can further improve soil health. Here’s an updated guide that includes the benefits of using HVO Compost Starter for faster and more odorless composting:

  • Efficient Compost Harvesting

    1. Monitor Compost Maturity: Your compost is ready when it transforms into a dark, crumbly material with an earthy aroma, typically within 3-6 months. However, using HVO Compost Starter can reduce this time by more than half, thanks to its acceleration of the decomposition process.
    2. Sift Your Compost: Employ a mesh screen to sift the compost, separating unfinished material, which can go back into the compost bin for further breakdown.
    3. Proper Compost Storage:If not used immediately, store your sifted compost in a dry place with a cover to maintain its nutrient quality and ideal moisture level.

  • Applying Your Compost

    1. Soil Enhancement: Blend the compost into the top layer of your garden soil to improve its structure, moisture retention, and nutrient profile.
    2. Mulching: Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help keep soil moisture consistent, suppress weed growth, and gradually enrich the soil with nutrients.
    3. Potting Mix Creation: For a rich, nutritious potting mix, mix your compost with soil and sand, perfect for container gardening and potted plants.

Enhancing Compost With HVO Organic Fertilizer

Incorporate HVO Organic Fertilizer following the instructions on the packaging for an additional nutrient boost. This fertilizer is an excellent complement to your compost, supplying a balanced range of nutrients to ensure your plants thrive.

Maintaining Soil Health with Hawaiian Bokashi Inoculant

For ongoing soil vitality and productivity:

  1. Compost Bin Application: Enhance each new layer of kitchen scraps with a sprinkle of Hawaiian Bokashi Inoculant. This not only speeds up the decomposition process with beneficial microbes but also significantly reduces any unpleasant odors typically associated with composting.
  2. Garden Application: After spreading compost, lightly dust the soil with Bokashi Inoculant to introduce a diverse microbial ecosystem. This step is crucial for enhancing nutrient absorption, improving root health, and maintaining robust soil structure.

Incorporating HVO Compost Starter into your composting process not only delivers compost in less than half the traditional timeframe but also minimizes odors, making the process more pleasant and manageable. Together with HVO Organic Fertilizer and Hawaiian Bokashi Inoculant, these practices elevate your gardening to a new level of efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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