We began our cheap and easy compost by hosing out one of our garbage cans. We purchased the can less than a year ago when we moved to Siletz, but it had a small share of disgusting garbage in it. I wouldn't think you would need to start a compost with a clean can, but it is nice to start any new project free of old dog poop residue.
Next, we used a razor blade to cut out the bottom of the can.
Then drilled a couple dozen holes around the top of the can.
The shovel will be used later.......
This is the spot.....right next to the pile of wood chips.
Looks good!!? It is right behind the wood shed.
The hole exposed some rich soil, and only a few rocks. There is quite the variety of soils on this property!
We buried it a little over a foot down.
We filled the bottom with loose dirt and leaf clippings. We used small screen to cover up the holes. It took a little bit to figure out how to attach the screen to the can. We finally decided on zip ties, and it turned out great!
Next, we used a razor blade to cut out the bottom of the can.
Then drilled a couple dozen holes around the top of the can.
The shovel will be used later.......
This is the spot.....right next to the pile of wood chips.
Looks good!!? It is right behind the wood shed.
The hole exposed some rich soil, and only a few rocks. There is quite the variety of soils on this property!
We buried it a little over a foot down.
We filled the bottom with loose dirt and leaf clippings. We used small screen to cover up the holes. It took a little bit to figure out how to attach the screen to the can. We finally decided on zip ties, and it turned out great!
And who could forget about the worms!! We threw in some extra that we cultivated from the raised beds, but there is plenty to go around.
A bungee cord on the top, and it is good to go. It was super easy, and cheap (less than $20 if you had to buy everything) and we should have some great compost before we know it. 
This looks great - great tutorial!! I wish we had a place for one - I'll have to start looking around the yard. Do you put all your garbage in it? Or only yard debris?
ReplyDeleteI could build one now! Thank you for the step by step and visual explanations. Do you think I could put the deli leftovers in or would it be too high in fat content? I think I have enough left over debris from the store to do two cans if that would work! I would put them out in the dog pen maybe??...since I dont have the heart to put the dog in the dog pen. What was I thinking?
ReplyDeleteSweet! What an excellent Earth Day project.
ReplyDelete