Cheap Compost: DIY Guide

Composting is a fantastic way to recycle organic waste, enrich your garden soil, and reduce your environmental impact. But store-bought compost can be expensive! The good news is that creating your own high-quality compost at home doesn't have to break the bank. With a little know-how and some readily available materials, you can build a thriving compost system without spending a fortune. This guide will walk you through the process of making cheap, effective compost using DIY methods.

Why Make Your Own Compost?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's explore the many benefits of composting. Composting isn't just about saving money; it's about creating a healthier garden and a more sustainable lifestyle.

• Enriches Soil: Compost adds essential nutrients and organic matter to your soil, improving its structure and fertility. This leads to healthier, more productive plants [1].
• Reduces Waste: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas [16, 39, 40].
• Conserves Water: Compost helps soil retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering [1, 8, 14].
• Reduces the Need for Fertilizers: By providing a slow-release source of nutrients, compost can minimize or eliminate the need for synthetic fertilizers [1, 16].
• Improves Soil Health: Compost promotes beneficial soil organisms, which further enhance soil fertility and plant growth [16].
• Prevents Soil Erosion: Compost binds soil particles together, making it less susceptible to erosion from wind and water [8, 16].

Understanding the Basics of Composting: The Green and Brown Ratio

Successful composting hinges on achieving the right balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials). These materials provide the necessary food and energy for the microorganisms that break down the organic matter [4].

What are Greens?

Greens are nitrogen-rich materials that decompose quickly and provide moisture to the compost pile. Examples of greens include:

• Kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed eggshells) [3, 4, 25]
• Grass clippings [3, 4]
• Green plant cuttings [4]
• Weeds (that haven't gone to seed) [2, 4]
• Manure from herbivorous animals (cows, horses, rabbits, chickens) [21]

What are Browns?

Browns are carbon-rich materials that decompose more slowly and provide air pockets in the compost pile. Examples of browns include:

• Dry leaves [3, 4]
• Shredded newspaper and cardboard (avoid glossy paper) [2, 4, 28]
• Straw and hay [3]
• Wood shavings and sawdust (from untreated wood) [4, 25]
• Twigs and small branches (shredded or chopped) [2, 4]
• Dryer lint (from natural fibers like cotton) [7, 18]

The Ideal Ratio

While some sources recommend a strict ratio, a good starting point is a ratio of 3 or 4 parts "browns" to 1 part "greens" [7]. Some suggest aiming for roughly equal proportions [15]. Don't worry about being too precise; you can adjust the ratio as needed based on the look and smell of your compost pile [7].

• Too wet and smelly: Add more browns.
• Too dry and slow to decompose: Add more greens and water.

Building Your Cheap DIY Compost System

Now, let's get practical! Here are several options for building a compost system that won't empty your wallet:

1. The Simple Compost Pile

This is the most basic and cost-effective method. Simply designate a spot in your yard for a compost pile. The ideal size is between 3' x 3' x 3' to 5' x 5' x 5' [10]. Layer your greens and browns, and turn the pile regularly with a pitchfork or shovel [17].

Pros:

• Minimal cost and effort to set up.
• Good for large volumes of yard waste.

Cons:

• Can be unsightly.
• May attract pests if not managed properly.
• Slower decomposition compared to enclosed systems.

Actionable Advice: Choose a location that is easily accessible, has good drainage and is away from trees to avoid root growth into the pile [5].

2. Pallet Compost Bin

Repurpose discarded wooden pallets to create a sturdy and enclosed compost bin. You can often find pallets for free at local businesses. Simply arrange the pallets to form a square or rectangular bin, securing them together with screws or wire [2, 35].

Pros:

• Inexpensive and made from recycled materials.
• Provides good aeration.
• More aesthetically pleasing than a simple pile.

Cons:

• Can be heavy and difficult to move.
• Pallets may contain chemicals (avoid treated wood).

Actionable Advice: Line the inside of the bin with chicken wire to prevent compost from falling through the gaps. Ensure the pallets are not treated with chemicals harmful to plants [4].

3. Wire Mesh Compost Bin

This is a simple and affordable option for containing your compost. Use wire fencing to create a circular or square bin. Secure the ends of the fencing with wire or zip ties [38].

Pros:

• Very affordable and easy to assemble.
• Excellent aeration.
• Lightweight and easy to move.

Cons:

• Less visually appealing than other options.
• May not retain moisture as well as enclosed bins.

Actionable Advice: Choose a wire mesh with small enough openings to prevent compost from falling out. To stabilize the structure, weave rebar down through the mesh and pound into the ground [38].

4. Trash Can Compost Tumbler

Convert a plastic trash can into a compost tumbler for easy turning. Drill air holes around the sides and bottom of the can. Attach a lid securely. Roll the can around your yard to turn the compost [3].

Pros:

• Easy to turn, which speeds up decomposition.
• Enclosed, which helps retain moisture and heat.
• Can be made from a recycled trash can.

Cons:

• Can be heavy to roll when full.
• May require some DIY skills.

Actionable Advice: Choose a dark-colored trash can to absorb more heat. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent odors and pests. Elevate the trash can on blocks to make turning easier.

5. Straw Bale Compost Bin

Enclose your compost pile with straw bales. This creates a simple and insulated bin. As the straw breaks down, it can be incorporated into the compost [3].

Pros:

• Easy to set up and customize the size.
• Provides insulation, which speeds up composting.
• The straw itself eventually becomes part of the compost.

Cons:

• Straw bales can be bulky to handle.
• May require replacement as the straw decomposes.

Actionable Advice: Arrange the straw bales tightly together to prevent compost from spilling out. Wet the straw bales to help them decompose and retain moisture.

6. 5-Gallon Bucket Worm Bin (Vermicomposting)

For those with limited space, consider a worm bin. You can make one from two 5-gallon buckets, a drill, shredded paper, kitchen scraps and worms [3]. Worms accelerate the decomposition process and produce nutrient-rich castings [33].

Pros:

• Great for small spaces, even apartments.
• Produces high-quality compost and worm castings.
• Reduces kitchen waste effectively.

Cons:

• Requires some initial setup and maintenance.
• Limited capacity compared to larger systems.

Actionable Advice: Use red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida), which are best suited for vermicomposting. Avoid overfeeding the worms and maintain proper moisture levels.

Tips for Supercharging Your Compost

No matter which composting system you choose, these tips will help you create high-quality compost faster:

1. Chop it Up!

Smaller pieces of organic matter decompose much faster than larger ones [15, 17, 20, 31, 34]. Chop or shred your materials before adding them to the compost pile.

Actionable Advice: Use a lawnmower to shred leaves, or a chipper/shredder for woody materials.

2. Aerate Regularly

Microorganisms need oxygen to thrive. Turn your compost pile every week or two to provide aeration [4, 17, 20].

Actionable Advice: Use a compost aerator tool or a pitchfork to turn the pile. If you're not able to stir it regularly, adding in seaweed, horse manure, sheep manure or comfrey leaves will also help your compost break down faster and add valuable nutrients [17].

3. Maintain Moisture

The compost pile should be moist like a wrung-out sponge [5, 20]. Add water during dry periods to maintain the proper moisture level [4].

Actionable Advice: Cover the compost pile to retain moisture and protect it from excessive rain [2].

4. Add a Compost Activator

A compost activator speeds up the decomposition process. Good options include manure, urine, coffee grounds or spent coffee grounds [15, 31].

Actionable Advice: Ask your local coffee shop for their spent coffee grounds as they are often willing to give them away for free [15].

5. Insulate in Winter

In cold climates, insulate your compost pile to maintain heat and microbial activity. You can do this by wrapping the pile with straw bales or a tarp [23, 31].

Actionable Advice: Add a layer of insulation to your compost bin or pile to keep the pre-compost warm and speed up the decomposition process during winter [23].

What NOT to Compost

It's important to know what not to put in your compost pile. Some materials can attract pests, create odors, or harm your plants [3]. Avoid composting the following:

• Meat, fish, and dairy products (attract pests and create odors) [10, 12, 18, 21]
• Oils and fats (same as above) [18, 21]
• Diseased plants (can spread diseases) [4, 10, 21]
• Weeds with seeds (can spread weeds) [4, 10, 18]
• Pet waste (can contain harmful pathogens) [10, 18, 21]
• Treated wood (may contain harmful chemicals) [4, 18]
• Black, green or blue mold [12]
• Bioplastics [12]

Actionable Advice: Always research before adding something to your compost pile to ensure that it is safe for plants and won't harm the process [3].

Knowing When Your Compost is Ready

Finished compost is dark brown, crumbly, and has an earthy smell [5, 28, 29, 35]. You should no longer be able to recognize the original materials. The compost should also be cool to the touch.

Actionable Advice: Use a homemade screener out of hardware cloth to sift through your compost [1]. Pits and eggshells that are sifted out can be added back to the pile.

Next Steps: Using Your Homemade Compost

Once your compost is ready, it's time to put it to use in your garden! Here are a few ways to use your homemade "black gold":

• Soil Amendment: Mix compost into your garden beds before planting to improve soil structure and fertility [1, 29].
• Potting Mix: Combine compost with other ingredients like soil and perlite to create your own potting mix [2].
• Mulch: Spread compost around your plants as a mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide slow-release nutrients [1, 2, 29].
• Top Dressing: Apply a thin layer of compost to your lawn or garden beds to boost growth and health.
• Compost Tea: Steep compost in water to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer.

Conclusion

Making your own cheap compost is a rewarding and sustainable way to improve your garden while reducing waste. By understanding the basics of composting, choosing the right system for your needs, and following these tips, you can create a thriving compost pile that will provide you with a steady supply of nutrient-rich compost for years to come. So, gather your "greens" and "browns," and get composting! Your garden (and the planet) will thank you.

Ready to take your composting to the next level? Consider researching "hot composting" methods for faster results, or explore vermicomposting for a compact and efficient system. Happy composting!