How to make a compost heap from pallets. Do-it-yourself compost pit: manufacturing options. Metal mesh compost bin

If the site has poor soil, then a container is built to create humus, which is an important part of any garden plot. The use of top dressing in the form of compost allows you to grow environmentally friendly vegetable and vegetable crops. Recommendations from experienced gardeners will help you understand how a do-it-yourself compost pit is created, the manufacturing options, photos and installation features of which can be considered in detail below.

Features of the design of the tank for compost humus

compost pit easily created by hand. In this case, manufacturing options can be seen in the photo. Simple products can be made from pallets, which are taken after the sale building materials and purchased for a small amount.

It is important to choose the right location. It should be far from home. It should be a well-ventilated area. This will prevent bad odors. Containers from improvised materials are distinguished by high availability. The finished design allows you to dispose of weeds from the site.

Helpful information! The vegetation is compacted over time and, under the influence of bacteria and humidity, is converted into an excellent organic fertilizer. Perfectly is suitable for processing of different cultures in a kitchen garden or a garden.

What is the purpose of the pit?

An excellent method of recycling various garbage is a do-it-yourself compost pit. Manufacturing options, photos and drawings can be found in sufficient quantities on the Internet. This facility allows you to get high-quality fertilizers in the shortest possible time. In this case, cut grass, leaves and manure are used.

How to make a compost pit with your own hands: video and installation requirements

Many gardeners and summer residents are interested in the question: how to make compost pits correctly. Tanks are constructed from three parts. In this case, 8 columns are installed, which are treated with a protective solution. It can be fuel oil, engine oil and tar.

For one of the parties it is recommended to use a fence cloth. Partitions are made of boards in which holes for ventilation should be left. Doors are installed on all compartments. At the end of the work, you need to install handles and latches.

An important point is the installation of ventilation holes. Also, the container must be closed during precipitation with a special lid. For this, ordinary polyethylene film can be used.

You can make a product from pallets. To do this, they need to be disassembled. With the help of a circular machine, the boards are divided into separate blanks. All boards are fastened vertically. In this case, the front board is attached with an adhesive solution.

In order for the pallet product to remain stable, it is necessary to trim the planks at the bottom using a level. compost pit for Finnish technology different from standard pits. She has several distinctive features. Filling must begin from the first compartment. When extracting humus, the container is filled from the adjacent compartment.

All processed material must be stirred periodically. Also in the container should be maintained optimal level humidity.

Installation of such a structure consists of the following steps:

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Instructions for making a compost pit (box) with your own hands

Making your own compost pit is easy. Its arrangement involves the use of lightweight and inexpensive components. In the example below, a compost bin is created from pallets used in the construction industry for folding consumables. You can buy such pallets for a small amount or even get them for free by picking them up after unloading building materials.

making a compost pit with your own hands. A photo

If you do not yet know how to create a compost pit with your own hands, step-by-step instruction below will describe this procedure in detail.

First thing choose a place, the most suitable for arranging a compost heap. This site should be located away from residential buildings and preferably in an area where winds predominate. This will eliminate the possibility of bad smell from the compost in the yard.

Follow drawing provided as an example to properly create a compost bin. Remember that it should have a presentable appearance, be easy to use, and be easy to dismantle when filled with organic waste.

do-it-yourself compost pit manufacturing options. A photo

Disassemble prepared wooden pallets by removing the connecting elements (nails). The result of such work will be the receipt of edged boards.

Use a circular saw to divide all boards into blanks about 1 m long. A compost bin will be created from them.

In order to assemble an integral structure from separate boards, two of them should cut out jigsaw rectangular holes. The photos and videos attached to the instructions will help the master navigate how to make cutouts in the remaining boards in order to accurately connect them to two cross beams.

do-it-yourself compost pit step by step with a photo

Mounting all boards (except for front ones) are carried out vertically, and they are fastened with mounting glue. The first (front) board is equipped at a slight angle to the entire structure, and without the use of an adhesive solution. Compliance with this condition is necessary to facilitate the disassembly of the structure. Device compost bin of the described type allows you to easily rearrange it to another place, to disassemble it after filling it with organic waste and vegetation residues.

To compost bin out wooden pallets turned out to be stable, during its installation in the area designated for this, one should align the bottom boards of the finished box using a level.

As you can see, very little effort needs to be made to create a compost pit from waste materials construction industry. The finished compost bin looks decent, and makes it possible to dispose of all unnecessary vegetation from your own garden plot. Gradually compacting in such a container, and being under the influence of moisture and putrefactive bacteria, the vegetation turns into organic fertilizer. High Quality, ideal for fertilizing horticultural vegetation.

How to make a compost pit. Video

Making a compost bin with your own hands

The issue related to the disposal of plant waste on personal plot, worries most gardeners. It is not worth taking them out of the garden, because with the right approach, organic matter can be excellent. fertilizer. Folding unnecessary vegetation, as noted above, is better in a compost pit, which should be voluminous. We suggest considering the option of building a compost pit with your own hands, a step-by-step instruction for which will help even a beginner to carry out the procedure.

As an example, take the construction compost bin, consisting of three sections.

Set 8 wooden columns, having previously treated the lower part of each of them (the one that will be located underground) with a protective composition. Fuel oil, tar or used machine oil can be used as a protective solution.

If a fence strong and reliable on your personal plot, then its canvas can be used as a support for one of the sides of the compost bin bars (as shown in the photo). Actually, this option makes the task easier, eliminating the need to dig a few more holes for the posts.

The next step in creating a structure is the arrangement of sectional partitions. To do this, nail several boards to the supports, leaving necessarily between them small slots for ventilation. It should also be noted that in two compartments of the box small doors, therefore, its front part should be sheathed with boards only up to half the height.

The third compartment is equipped with a large door, and in this regard, it is worth nailing only one board at the bottom, front of the box.

The next stage of work is installation covers. The end sections of the sectional partitions, as well as the rear and front walls, are reinforced with crossbars.

do-it-yourself compost bin. A photo

Doors are hung, which also serve as compost bin covers. It is already clear that one large and two small doors will be located in front.

When creating a wooden compost bin, take care right away that the wood does not become an integral component of organic fertilizers prepared from waste plant origin. The process of compost maturation involves the gradual decomposition of organic matter, and the tree also belongs to the components of natural, organic origin. And therefore, when constructing a three-section compost bin from boards, it is desirable to soak every detail well special composition deep penetration. It will protect the tree from moisture, putrefactive processes and harmful insects. Buy now a solution for complex protection wooden surfaces easy, but remember that it must be non-toxic. Then organic fertilizer (compost) will turn out to be of high quality.

After the boards are saturated, finished box for compost stained in a color that suits you. Paint is desirable to select non-toxic. It should be highly resistant to temperature extremes, not fade in the sun. Apply it to the box in two layers.

The last step in creating the structure is to hang the latches and handles. Compost pit from boards is completely ready for use!

Compost pit. Its equipment options

Now there are many different technologies for building compost pits with your own hands. Each dacha owner or country house with a land plot chooses the type of construction that is ideally suited to the specific conditions of the area. Here are some of the most common types of compost pit equipment.

Option 1. It is rarely used, and mainly in cases where ready-made compost is supposed to be used no earlier than in 1.5-2 years. The essence of the work here is to dig a hole in a designated area. It should be similar in shape to a well, but not as deep.
The compost pit walls must be strengthened so that the soil does not collapse. The peculiarity of the pit prepared in this way is that in it the raw materials for fertilizer will ripen naturally, without human intervention. And so it is worth taking care of creating optimal conditions for the preparation of organic fertilizers. The walls of the finished pit begin to be sheathed at a height of 15-25 cm from the bottom, while no material is laid on the bottom itself. This will allow microorganisms and worms to penetrate from the soil into the folded vegetation residues unhindered.

If possible, it is better to create a compost pit in this way outside the house adjoining area, in a forest belt.

Option 2. AT this case a compost pit is equipped right in the garden. Many land owners note that this option is more convenient in the sense that organic fertilizers are unloaded from the pit as needed. The basis of the design is the formwork, and it can be made from any materials at hand. These can be plastic barrels or a box assembled from individual boards. The presented method also involves providing access to worms and microorganisms in the thickness of organic residues. And therefore, the soil is loosened before laying the vegetation, and the formwork structure is slightly deepened (by about 20-30 cm). The need for natural circulation air in the created box causes the leaving of slits between the wooden structural elements, or the formation of holes in plastic surfaces.

Option 3. Another method of preparing organic fertilizers from plant residues is the creation of a so-called pile, or compost heap. This technology is considered the simplest, but when using it, hygiene requirements are not met. On the backyard territory, when choosing this method of preparing compost, the optimal site is selected, on which a substrate of gravel, sand or dry grass is immediately made. Plant waste is placed on top of it, and they are waiting for their overheating. Organic fertilizer reaches full readiness in two or more years. The difficulty lies in the fact that the pile has to be periodically mixed, and before the onset of winter, it is still necessary to insulate it so that microorganisms do not die under the influence of cold.

So, there are many options for equipping a compost pit, and the difference between them is both in terms of the materials used, and in terms of the size and features of its design. In any case, with the right approach, creating it yourself will not be difficult even for a novice master.

A do-it-yourself compost pit for its creation requires the presence of durable materials from which it would be possible to make the walls of a box in which plant residues will be stored. The previous sections have already described the possibilities of forming such structures from boards, building pallets or plastic barrels. There is one more good way- compost bin slate waste. In the household, many zealous owners of summer cottages will surely have such. Slate leaves make an excellent base for the walls of a compost bin. In addition, a compost pit made of such material will turn out to be reliable and durable. To create a slate box with your own hands, we recommend doing the work in the following sequence:

Decide on the exact parameters designs. Remember that the pit should be such that all the plant waste collected from the site for two seasons (and sometimes more time) is placed inside it. Considering that a small pile of vegetation residues (tops, fallen leaves) is approximately 0.25 cubic meters in volume, then a pit for their processing can be made 1m * 1m * 1m in size. In this case, there will still be some room for food waste.

After choosing a territory, you need to do a little deepening in the soil (by 20-30 cm).

In the corners of the structure and in the central part are installed racks, created from thick tree branches or ordinary metal pipes of small diameter.

With the help of prepared slate sheets, walls compost box.

The compost matures in the pit for two years, and the slate partition, located in the middle of the box, makes it possible to use the internal space of the pit continuously. That is, the result of the work is a two-section slate box, each of the compartments of which is used in turn.

When studying the question of how to make a compost pit from certain materials, one should not forget about the requirements for such structures. First of all, when making a compost box, you need to take into account that organic matter needs a constant supply of air to ripen. Therefore, on the sides of the structure must be present ventilation holes. To useful material from the created organic fertilizer not washed into the ground, it is advisable to cover the compost pit during rain lid. Instead of a lid, you can also use an ordinary plastic film, but in this case it will need to be somehow fixed around the edges to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. It should also be taken into account that the compost from the bottom matures faster, so easy access to the bottom of it should be provided. In the diagram above, you can see how the simplest compost bin works. Note that the boards located on the side are made removable, and the dimensions of the structure can be changed. As an option, you can consider creating a box with removable front boards.

There is also a way to create an opening box of a simpler design. In it, the loops will be made of durable strips of rubber or other elastic material. They are well fixed on the surface of the boards knocked together.

An economical option for creating a compost bin would be a product made of wooden pallets, the installation of which does not require special skills and a lot of time.

What can and cannot be thrown into the compost pit?

Having found out how a compost pit is made from various consumables, one cannot ignore the recommendations on what kind of waste can be thrown into it and which cannot.

A self-constructed compost pit will fully justify the purpose of its creation if the following types of organic waste are collected in it:

• Fallen tree bark, old leaves and small branches, needles, grass roots and small tree roots.
• Mature dung and bird guano.
• Grass and cut weeds.
• Leftover herbal tea or coffee.
• Cleaning vegetables and fruits, missing berries, fruits and vegetables.
• Ash left over from burning wood.
• Wood shavings, straw, sawdust, hay.
• Napkins, cardboard, paper bags and the paper itself.

As for those components that cannot be laid in a compost pit, then their list contains:

• Potato and tomato tops. Often it is infected with late blight spores, and laying it in compost in the future will lead to the spread of the disease throughout garden plot, and late blight damage to new seasonal vegetation.
• Products of inorganic origin, which will not decompose when exposed to natural factors. These include metal, polyethylene bags, rubber and synthetics, components with a plastic base.
• Vegetation generously fertilized with chemicals.
• Thick branches that take a long time to rot.
• Weed seeds that have already passed the ripening stage.
• Feces of animals living in the house. They may contain inclusions in the form of bones or helminth eggs.

How to properly operate a compost pit?

In the previous sections of our article, we found out how to make a compost pit from improvised components, as well as what can be put into it and what is undesirable to put in a pit. Now it remains to identify those simple requirements that will help to properly operate the structure for storing compost throughout the year. Here they are:

• Try to periodically loosening compost garden pitchfork. This will ensure the flow of oxygen to the decaying organic matter. Stirring the waste will help speed up the decomposition process.
• The compost heap should be occasionally pour water. If the street is set dry and hot weather, then the number of irrigations of the ripening compost should be increased. With regular moisture, the contents of the pit will rot better and faster. But dry compost completely stops its decomposition.
• If there is such an opportunity, then it is advisable to periodically lay in the thickness of rotting vegetation California worms. They will not only loosen the contents of the compost, but also partially process it.
• It is advisable to lay on top of the waste in the pit dark plastic film. Thanks to it, a greenhouse effect will occur in the thickness of the raw biomaterial, and as a result of it, the temperature inside the heap will increase significantly. The burnout of vegetation folded in layers will occur faster. At the same time, the presence of the film ensures the preservation of a moist environment in the compost, and prevents the growth of weeds there. The maturation period of a compost heap covered with a film is 3-4 months. If the pit with organic matter is not covered, then the process of waste maturation will stretch for a whole year.
• If possible, it is recommended to add to the compost pit special preparations, accelerating the decomposition of components. Among the most famous such compositions are Baikal EM-1, Sanex EcoCompost, Compostar, Compostin, Embionic.

With proper arrangement of the compost pit and regular maintenance of it, homeowners will be able to obtain high-quality fertilizer that does not contain harmful substances.

Compost pit with your own hands. Video

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DIY compost pit: manufacturing options and design requirements

In order to properly build a compost pit, you need to understand how the compost heap should be arranged. There are many options for making your own hands, but first of all, you should pay attention to the fact that it should consist of three parts. In this case, you need to install 8 support posts, each of which must be processed with a protective agent.

Helpful advice! Machine oil, fuel oil or even tar can be used as a protective composition for posts.

A fence can be used as a fence on one of the sides, and boards are better suited for the rest. Partitions are constructed from them, in which holes for ventilation are necessarily left. This contributes to the process of decay. Also be sure to install a door that allows you to access the compost.

Making a compost pit in the country with your own hands involves ensuring the proper level of ventilation and at the same time protecting the contents from precipitation. So that the compost heap does not turn into a swamp, it must be covered with a special lid of a suitable size during the rainy season. And if the weather conditions are not too severe, then it is quite acceptable to use plastic wrap for this purpose.

Another option is to use construction pallets that are pre-disassembled. Using a circular machine, the boards can be divided into individual elements, and then assembled from them into a suitable structure. In this case, it is better to fasten the boards vertically. The front board can be fixed with adhesive. To give stability to such a structure, it is necessary to use the building level and trim the lower slats.

It is also important that the height of the walls of a homemade composter be such that it is convenient for a person of any height to add, turn and remove compost.

Interesting! You can pay attention to the designs of compost pits made according to Finnish technology. In this case, some design features are of interest, for example, when you extract humus from one compartment, it is automatically filled with raw materials from the next one.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options, photo examples

The type of compost pit is determined based on several factors. One of them is the installation method. Consider all the existing options:

• allocation of a certain place for organizing a compost pit. At the same time, a foundation pit is initially prepared, which is very similar to a well, but at the same time has a smaller depth. The walls of the pit are additionally strengthened to prevent shedding of the soil and are sheathed with an indent of 20-25 cm from the bottom. This distance is necessary in order to provide the microorganism with free access to waste;
• another option is to install a special container on the garden plot, designed to collect waste and process it into compost. This method allows you to get the finished product at any time. This design is based on a pit with formwork, as well as a special box made of boards. When implementing this option, it is extremely important to pay due attention to the organization of ventilation;
• a do-it-yourself compost heap is the easiest way to solve the problem. To do this, it is enough to make a substrate consisting of sand, gravel and dry grass. Waste is simply stacked on top, which over time will begin to rot.

You can make a compost bin with your own hands using many different technologies and instructions. The proposed designs may differ in the materials that are required for work, dimensions, properties and ease of use.

Helpful advice! Regardless of the type of structure chosen, before starting the laying of raw materials inside the structure, it is necessary to thoroughly loosen the bottom and install ventilation holes.

DIY compost bin: manufacturing options and instructions

Before making a compost pit with your own hands, it is advisable to consider as many options and designs as possible that can be used for this purpose. We will analyze in detail the instructions for making the most popular boxes made from various materials.

Garden compost bin: features of installation and operation

A garden composter may well be presented in the form of a large box, divided into several sections. Usually they make two or three compartments, but experts strongly recommend stopping at the option with three sections, since each of them has its own purpose: the first one is used for laying waste, the second one is for waste ripening, and the third one stores ready-made compost.

Depending on the individual wishes of the owner, the composter can be stationary or mobile (move on wheels). In this case, the recommended height of the box should not exceed 1 meter, and the size of each section should be about 1-1.5 meters.

Important! All wooden elements must be treated with a special protective composition, designed to provide the material with reliable protection against harmful insects, as well as moisture.

To make a compost bin with your own hands, you need to follow the following procedure:

1. 8 wooden blocks are dug into the ground;
2. With the help of boards, also previously opened with a protective compound, partitions are constructed. To do this, they are attached to supports at a certain distance from each other.
3. In the front part, two compartments should be sheathed only to the middle, and only one lower board is nailed to the third. Doors are mounted on the first two from above.
4. The back and end parts are completely sheathed.
5. The entire structure is covered with two layers of moisture-resistant paint.
6. Finally, handles, latches, etc. are attached.

At the bottom of such a box, drainage must necessarily be laid, which may consist, for example, of dry tree branches. Immediately after this, you can proceed directly to the laying of waste inside the structure.

How to make a compost pit in the country using wooden boards

A compost pit is a great solution, if necessary, do not spoil appearance plot overlooking a heap of waste. The formation of fertilizer in such a design takes much longer, and in order for the process to proceed as correctly and efficiently as possible, it is important to take care of the proper arrangement and ensure access to the right amount of oxygen in advance.

Work procedure:

1. First of all, it is necessary to dig a compost pit, the width of which will be 1.5 m, the length is 2 m, and the depth is about 1 meter.
2. In the corners, you need to dig in wooden blocks, observing an indent from the walls of 20 cm on each side.
3. In increments of 5 cm, boards are attached to these posts.
4. The resulting box is divided into two parts using a wooden shield.

The bottom of the compost pit is filled with a ten-centimeter layer of tree bark, branches and straw. Such a mixture will take on the role of drainage, which will remove excess moisture and additionally ventilate the raw materials.

Initially, only one of the compartments should be filled with waste. Then, when one is half full, the compost must be transferred to the second compartment. This procedure will allow you to enrich it with oxygen as much as possible.

Important! The bottom and sides of the composter do not need to be covered with anything so that earthworms can freely get inside, which take an active part in the waste processing process.

How to make a slate compost bin

Slate is a durable material that is great for creating a structure designed to collect and process organic waste into compost. The procedure for creating a suitable design consists of several stages:

• choosing a suitable location and taking measurements to determine the appropriate size of the pit;
• according to the marks, a not too large recess is dug, in the corners of which supports are installed, which can be used as boards or metal pipes;
• slate sheets are installed along the perimeter of the pit;
• using the same sheets, the resulting container is divided into several parts (two or three).

The use of this design is carried out in accordance with all the same recommendations that are given for compost pits made of wood.

How to make a concrete compost pit in the country

With a little more time and attention given to the process of arranging a compost pit, as a result, it can last several decades without any problems. To do this, it is enough to concrete it. You can do this in the following way:

• you need to dig a hole about 80 cm deep, 2 m wide and 3 m long;
• make a formwork inside the pit;
• then you need to prepare a solution consisting of sand, gravel and cement. To do this, pour 5 liters of water into a bucket and add 5 kg of sand and cement to it so that the ratio of dry components is 3: 1;
• the resulting solution is poured into the formwork;
• using wooden planks and a chain-link mesh (a metal frame is also suitable), a cover is being built for the pit.

It is very important that in the case of using boards for mounting the cover, there should be a distance between the elements necessary for normal ventilation.

Compost pit using Finnish technology: the secrets of mounting the structure

The main requirement for structures made according to Finnish technology is compliance with certain dimensions. The height and width of the box must be the same and be 1 m. This is extremely important, because in a smaller box the raw material will simply dry out, turning not into compost, but into dust. Large sizes are unacceptable for another reason - in this case, there is a risk of burning the contents from too high a temperature.

For the manufacture of such a structure, it is best to use wood. Slate in this case is not a very suitable option, since structures made from it are characterized by a longer period of waste decomposition. Again, cheap and yet quite convenient option- Finnish compost pit made of pallets.

Algorithm for assembling a compost pit using Finnish technology:

1. From wood pre-treated with antiseptic agents, a box frame of the desired size is assembled.
2. Then the finished frame is sheathed with boards. The boards are tightly placed only on the partitions separating the compartments. On the side walls, the boards should be located with an indent of 1 cm.
3. The back wall of the structure is also sewn up with boards at a distance of 1 cm.
4. The bottom of the box is covered using a slab. At the same time, it is also important to maintain some distance between the elements so that excess liquid can be effectively discharged.
5. In the lower part of the front wall of the structure, a small door is equipped, the height of which is usually 30 cm. It is fixed using ordinary door hinges.
6. The roof of the structure is made gable, while one of the slopes is attached to hinges so that it simultaneously acts as a door, making it possible to fill waste inside.

Interesting! In one box, the size of which is 1 × 1 m, you can prepare an amount of compost sufficient to fertilize a plot of land of 5-7 acres.

Compost pit-bio toilet: what is it?

Another special type of compost pit is a dry closet, which is able to turn human waste products into compost. It is a structure consisting of two containers, the volume of each of which is 80 liters.

The use of this type of dry closet is as follows: after visiting the toilet, you need to turn a special handle, which is responsible for supplying a portion of a special mixture consisting of peat and sawdust. Thanks to this mechanism, the mixture is distributed evenly and falls asleep the waste that has got inside.

It is quite possible to use such a dry closet composter and not too much for disposal. a large number food waste, simply throwing it inside and falling asleep with a dry mixture. When the first container is completely filled, it must be moved aside and replaced with the second one, which can be used in the same way. At this time, the first container will contain the compost mixture, completely ready for use.

Important! The compost obtained in such a composter will be very concentrated. This must be taken into account, and before introducing it into the soil, it is necessary to dilute the mixture with soil, sand or peat.

Criteria for choosing a ready-made composter for giving

At the same time, an increasing number of owners of suburban areas are seeking to move away from the use of improvised designs giving preference to purchased models. Consider what advantages and disadvantages ready-made designs have, and what parameters you need to pay special attention to before making a purchase.

In most cases, preference is given to simple and convenient composters that are easy to assemble and operate on their own. But since the number of proposals for modern market extremely large, independently determine the most suitable option it gets really difficult. As a guide, experts recommend using certain criteria, since models can be:

• collapsible or solid;
• with temperature sensor;
• with a special device that allows you to loosen the contents;
• with a mesh instead of a bottom, which provides protection against rodents;
• various shapes and sizes.

Composters also differ in the material that was used for manufacturing. So, plastic is the most popular today, because it has a low weight, which allows you to move it around the site without problems, and its service life is extremely long. If the structure is planned as stationary, then you can consider the option of acquiring a metal composter. Wooden models can also be found on sale, but they are not very common due to their short service life and exposure to external factors.

Compost pit products: features and benefits of use

Having figured out how to make a compost pile, many expect that they will soon be able to use the nutrient fertilizer made in it. But the reality is that the natural maturation of compost can last up to 2 years. Of course, you can just be patient and wait. But you can go the other way by buying a special tool that promotes the maturation of compost and speeds up this process.

Interesting! The question of the use of excipients is especially relevant for those regions of the country where the warm period is short. If warm weather lasts only 2-3 months, then the compost ripening period has to be reduced artificially.

So, there are several drugs that are well suited for this purpose and are recommended not only by experts, but also by real users. They all have different names but, in general, the principle of their action is the same. As an example, consider the Tamir tool.

Tamir is an extremely complex drug, which includes a whole complex of microorganisms that, in natural environment responsible for ensuring the decomposition of organic debris and waste. Due to the high concentration of these bacteria, the composting process is many times faster, and after 2-3 weeks, full maturation occurs.

It is worth noting that the compost obtained in this way is not completely decomposed waste and is somewhat different from the usual consistency. But its final decomposition will occur directly in the soil, which will bring even greater benefits to plants.

Important! It is believed that compost obtained as a result of the action of auxiliary preparations, as a fertilizer, is many times more useful than that which was obtained naturally. Therefore, answering the common question whether it is possible to use funds for compost pits, the answer is unequivocal - not only possible, but even necessary.

All funds of this type are used according to the following technology:

• if the heap has not yet been formed, then the drug is added on top of each new layer, after which it is all poured with water;
• in the already finished heap, you need to make a recess to the full height, into which the drug and water are added.

Other ways to speed up the maturation of the compost heap

In addition to complex preparations, other ways can be used to stimulate the processing of organic waste and the maturation of compost in the pit. Let's consider each of them in more detail:

• the use of rotted manure, which is quite capable of replacing biochemical preparations intended for composting. At the same time, it is forbidden to use fresh manure, as it can become a source of not only helminth eggs, but also weed seeds, pathogens, etc.;
• a solution made from ordinary yeast. To prepare it, you need 1 liter of water and about 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. To this is added 200 grams of sugar (1 cup). Such a solution is poured into the recesses made in the compost heap;
• herbal infusion. To improve the effect, it is mixed with chicken manure or slurry in a ratio of 5:2. It is important to know that the amount of nitrogen contained in fresh bird droppings is much greater than in manure, which means that the ratio should be different.

Helpful advice! In order to regularly get bird droppings into the compost heap naturally, you can install a feeder above it. This will greatly facilitate and speed up the process.

The methods of accelerating maturation also include artificial moistening of raw materials, its tedding and other measures designed to create the most comfortable microclimate for composting.

How to arrange a compost pit in the country with your own hands

Whatever design is chosen for making compost, it is unlikely that its appearance will turn out to be attractive enough in the end. Most likely, no one will want to look at the compost pit, so it will be useful to think about how you can use original design to improve its appearance.

The problem of masking the compost pit is especially relevant for small plots, since almost the entire territory is in plain sight. Although it happens that even for spacious plots, the owners use various design strategies to give the compost pit a more attractive look. So, in order to hide such an object, you can use:

• camouflage with plants and hedges;
• artificial decorations and stationary fences.

Works related to the manufacture of artificial fences are necessarily carried out in an open area located at some distance from the location of the compost pit. This is necessary in order to make it more convenient to work and to be able to move freely without being subjected to discomfort from the smell emitted by the heap.

The main requirement for such a fence is that it should hide the entire site from the eyes of guests and owners. That is, the compost heap should be completely hidden behind it, and the appearance of the fence should be as attractive as possible and be in harmony with the environment.

Much longer and somewhat more difficult to create hedges for this purpose. But they look much more natural and elegant. The main thing is to pay attention to the choice of a suitable plant, so that in the end the hedge is not too bulky and lush, and does not break the overall structure of the site.

Helpful advice! You can use light translucent screens entwined with vines as a fence. They do an excellent job with the task, and at the same time do not take up much space, so they are quite suitable for both large and small areas.

Best ideas for decorating a silo

Other elements, such as special screens or screens, can also be used to mask the place where the compost heap is located. Bamboo fences have proven to be excellent. Plants also look good if carefully planted in a row.

At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to equip a compost pit directly under fruit trees, as this can lead to their death. Between the compost and plants you need to maintain some distance.

The following design methods are the most popular:

• planted in a row fruit trees and berry bushes;
• potted gardens, placed on several levels to hide the entire structure;
• installation of a small architecture object: a gazebo or a fenced barbecue (of course, in this case, you should make sure that the unpleasant smell of decaying waste does not interfere);
• flower beds with tall plants;
• supporting wall.

Separately, it is worth noting the masking of compost heaps if a plastic container was used for them. In this case, it is not necessary to completely mask it. You can use it as a decoration of the site by painting it in a bright color and planting it around. beautiful flowers. You can draw any pattern on such a container, thus giving it originality.

It is easiest to work with small compost pits, which can be hidden with an abundance of flowers or even shrubs. Speaking of which, a compost yard is a great place to experiment with growing new varieties of annuals.

You can clearly see how composters are made and designed for giving with your own hands by watching training lessons and detailed instructions. It is enough to decide which design is best suited in a particular case, as well as take into account your own individual requirements and wishes. Otherwise, there will be no problems, since there are as many options for do-it-yourself compost pits as there are ready-made models.

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Compost pit principles

The main function of the compost pit is to create the most comfortable environment for the life of bacteria, microorganisms, earthworms, the number of which determines the speed of the process and the quality of the resulting compost. To do this, a fairly high temperature and humidity must be maintained inside the compost heap with a regular supply of oxygen.

To do this, the compost tank must have the following design features:

Make compost boxes from any available materials. These can be boards, slate trims, corrugated board, metal building mesh, and even car tires. More capital structures are built of brick or concrete. There are also lightweight, portable utilizers in metal or plastic barrels.

Choosing a site for a compost pit

The location of the composter on the site should not become a source of groundwater contamination, a threat to human and animal health. Do not place a compost pit in wetlands or in places with stagnant water.

The external design of the compost pit can be absolutely anything. It can be decorated with beautifully colored shields, fenced with loach plantings and perennial ornamental plants.

Making a compost pit with your own hands

On a garden or personal plot, you can use the simplest tools to make quality construction and turn a pile of garden debris and degradable household waste into valuable fertilizer. There are the most different kinds compost heaps, from earthen ditches to real concrete structures.

Compost pit in the ground

To create a compost pit:

1. In the ground, a site is selected away from residential buildings.
2. On an area 1.5 m wide and of arbitrary length, the top layer of turf and soil is removed.
3. The bottom of the pit should be located at a depth of no more than 0.5 meters.
4. The bottom is covered with a sand cushion to drain excess water.

The first layer performs the function of drainage and promotes aeration of the pile and consists of cut branches.

They are laid in layers:

• cut grass;
• dry foliage;
• sawdust;
• household food waste;
• manure;
• weedy herbs.

Layers are sprinkled with peat or garden soil, spilled with water. To speed up the decomposition process, it is advisable to grind all the ingredients before laying, simply chopping with a shovel.

The total height of the pile should not exceed 1.5 meters. This means that it will rise 1 meter above the ground. The structure is protected from above with a covering material or a slate shield. In hot weather, a pile is watered with plain water.

Under natural conditions, microorganisms will be able to process such a waste dump in two summer seasons. This is the easiest and most economical way to get compost.

Use EM drugs. A temperature of +4°C inside the compost heap is enough for microorganisms to successfully process waste.

Making a compost pit from boards

For ease of use and speed up the recycling process, the compost bin is made from boards. The optimal size of the compost box is 1x1.5 meters.

Instructions for making a pit from boards:

Garbage is placed in such a container through the top general principle starting with branches. And you can rake out the finished compost already from below.

Photo: drawing of a compost box, composter diagram

Variants of compost pits made from boards

Slate is durable and is perfect for the walls of the compost bin. You can use both wave and flat sheet slate.

Options for making a composter from slate:

1. Marking is done at the location of the compost heap and deepen cut-to-size sheets. They can be fixed with an external, wooden or iron crate.
2. In another embodiment, metal pipes are buried in the ground. A frame of bars is attached to them. Outside, it is sheathed with slate. The second design is more durable.

All wooden elements should be treated with an antiseptic to prevent rotting. A cover for the pit is made from plywood or boards. The front wall of the pit is made lower, at a level of 40-50 cm above ground level. Rigid walls allow you to cover the pit with a film or garden covering material.

Compost pit from corrugated board

Work order:

1. At the chosen place, a base is constructed from a metal or wooden block.
2. The dimensions of the pit are chosen according to the length of the sheets, which allows you to make a compost bin with two or three compartments.
3. The base is made, as for a wooden structure.
4. Outside, the profile strips are fastened with self-tapping screws with gaps of 3-5 cm.
5. It should be borne in mind that the metal surface becomes very hot during hot summer periods.
6. From above they make a shelter for their plywood or boards. It is desirable to cover the frame with a protective compound.

Metal mesh compost bin

To make compost, you can make a cylindrical container from a metal mesh. In such a cylinder, the compost is well ventilated and does not rot.

How to make a compost bin:

To simplify, you can put a large plastic bag (polyethylene) inside the basket, which is used for garbage. These baskets are easy to assemble and install anywhere. They are filled with waste according to the principle of a compost pit. And also compost can be made in special bags that are sold at garden centers.

Concrete compost pit

A concrete compost pit creates many benefits:

• Thick walls maintain a positive temperature for a long time.
• Such a pit is durable and reliable, not affected by adverse environmental conditions.

It is desirable to make it large, into two or even three compartments. Compost of different seasons will ripen in the first and second blocks. The third store bags of finished compost.

How to make a concrete compost pit:

When operating a concrete pit, it must be taken into account that the composting process is slowed down. To speed up the process, you need to manually add earthworms or commercially available special products to it.

Other material options for the compost pit

Compost pit from car tires

Car tires are quite suitable for arranging a compost heap:

Compost in an iron barrel

Old iron barrels are great for composting:

1. We cut down both bottoms with a chisel and put them near the track.
2. We put weeds, mowed grass, kitchen waste in layers in a barrel.
3. To increase the temperature, you can paint the barrel black, pour the compost with a solution ammonium nitrate(matchbox on a bucket of water).
4. We get the finished compost from below. To do this, you need to lift the barrel with a crowbar.

To improve the design:

1. Using a grinder (angle grinder), you need to cut the barrel into two unequal parts and punch holes in the walls for air circulation.
2. Then we put them on the priest and connect them with wire or rope. Cover with a lid on top.
3. The advantages of this design are the easy accessibility of the contents of the barrel for worms and bacteria from below.
4. To get ready-made compost, you only need to untie the rope, and you will receive two hundred liters of ready-made fertilizer.

Compost in a plastic barrel

The ideal material for a compost bin is plastic. In conventional compost heaps, compost takes two years to mature. In plastic barrels with a capacity of 150-200 liters, liquid compost can be prepared in two weeks.

For this:

1. We fill the barrel with cut grass or weeds to half, and fill it with water to the top.
2. After about three days, the fermentation process will begin.
3. After using the solution, you can again add water to the barrel and let it brew for one week.
4. Having spent the liquid compost completely, the remaining grass is folded into a compost heap.

Brick compost pit

A brick compost pit is made in three walls. It can be done on cement mortar or without it. On a cement mortar, a compost pit is made no more than 1 meter high. Between the bricks you need to leave gaps for ventilation.

In the compost pit, you need to provide a place for throwing the compost mass. Make a lid out of available material. The front wall is made temporary so that it is convenient to take out the finished compost.

Compost pit made of concrete rings

Garden debris can be successfully stored in the inner cavity of the concrete ring and compost can be obtained as a result. For comfort the ring is partially buried in the ground, and after filling, cover with a lid or film material.

The disadvantages of the design include the absence of an underestimated front wall. To unload the finished compost, you need to climb inside. Otherwise, very durable compost chambers are obtained from such reinforced concrete products.

Compost pit according to Finnish technology

If there is no desire to make a compost pit, you can purchase a composter using Finnish technology. It's modern dry closet with two containers, with a capacity of 80 liters. Its contents are mixed with a layer of peat and sawdust. You can also recycle food.

When the container is full, it is pulled out and another is inserted. Due to the high concentration, the finished compost is mixed with earth or sand and fertilized with plants. The empty container is washed and returned to its place.

Do not confuse compost and cesspool. Organic matter from the garden plot is stored in containers for making compost. The remains of protein food should be disposed of in a cesspool.

What can and cannot be put in a compost pit?

Thanks to composting, the amount of waste in landfills is reduced, and our vegetable gardens and orchards receive additional fertilizer.

In the compost pit, first of all, organic garden waste is laid, in the form of:

• branches;
• dry foliage;
• cut grass;
• weeds;
• straw.

Good ingredients for a compost heap are:

• food leftovers from vegetarian food;
• egg shell;
• onion peel.

You can layer the compost with manure and chicken manure.

The prohibited ingredients of the compost heap are:

• construction and household waste with a high content of phenols;
• remnants of printed products;
• plastic.

From plant residues, weeds with matured seeds and with roots that can take root well, such as:

• thistle;
• wheatgrass;
• loach.

Drought-tolerant plants should be dried before being placed in the compost pile so that they lose their ability to root. Sawdust can be used in moderation as it slowly decomposes and takes up nitrogen. And also do not use feces of domestic animals and humans when composting.

Preparations for the compost pit

The main task of preparations containing biological activators is to accelerate the decomposition processes with the help of microorganisms.

The preparations do an excellent job with the processing of organic matter and do not allow pathogenic microflora to develop in the compost pit:

1. Compost preparation can be significantly accelerated by using Baikal EM. This preparation contains effective microorganisms (EM).
2. The drug "Doctor Robik" significantly increases the number of effective microorganisms (EM) in the compost. They are engaged in the processing of organic matter into humus, and also prevent the development of pathogenic microflora and destroy the larvae of harmful insects.
3. The bioactivator has similar properties. The Green-Master bioactivator package must be diluted in 20 liters of warm water, let it brew for 4 hours and water the compost heap. After 2 weeks, you need to turn a bunch of pitchforks. For the preparation of compost, one treatment with a bioactivator solution is sufficient.
4. Good results are obtained by the drug "Compost Boost" for composting.
5. Manufacturer Lucky summer resident produces "Biocompostin"- compost preparation. Saneks plus releases the EcoCompost product.
6. Manufacturer Dezon Bio K produces several types of drugs:"Green all-rounder", "Compost of one season", "Compost for the next agricultural season", "Bioactivator for compost".

By using preparations, microbiological processes can be significantly accelerated and compost can be obtained in 2-3 months.

Preparations-bioactivators for compost

Rules for the operation of a compost pit

After the construction of the compost box and its filling, it remains occasionally to look inside and, depending on the changes taking place, correct the decomposition process.

Tips for using the composter:

1. In dry periods, it is necessary to water the compost with plain water, preventing it from overheating, which leads to a reduction in the population of some types of beneficial bacteria.
2. At least once every two weeks, you should loosen the compost heap., thereby providing an influx of oxygen into all, even the lowest, layers.
3. Add "Effective Microorganisms" to your compost content in the form of solutions and various additives.
4. To speed up the process, you can add a ready-made compost substrate, which contains a full range of microbiological activators.
5. If the pit design does not have a top cover then simply tighten the top with a covering garden material black, which will increase the temperature and the greenhouse effect inside the structure.

Summarizing

Creating a compost pit does not require serious material investments. It can be made with my own hands from improvised materials, which are always enough on any personal plot.

Having spent a little time on making a compost pit, in the future you will not have to solve the problems of disposing of garden and household waste.

In a well-organized compost pit, you will receive environmentally friendly fertilizer, as a result of which you can increase the yield of the beds. Such a reasonable approach to managing the economy affects the environmental situation and brings tangible material income.

Use the instructions and tips from the article, and the result will please you.

A do-it-yourself compost bin is necessary for everyone who cultivates the soil, grows vegetables, or fruits.

You can make such a box in a day with your own hands using one of the well-known technologies and solve the problem of storing waste, at the same time turning it into a nutrient medium for plants.

But before a pile of rubbish becomes compost, there is one step you need to follow - keep it in a compost bin.

Where to begin?

Construction starts with a blueprint. Some summer residents will be quite satisfied with a simple one.

But others do not want to spoil the landscape with an indecent pile of garbage in a secluded corner and put exactly the container: a garbage container, a metal barrel - just to get the result. Design options are really numerous.

But even with something as simple as making your own compost bin, you can apply some taste and make something that will take its place in your backyard.

Any compost bin requires the following:

• compost needs air to mature;
• there must be a cover so that the rain does not wash away all the most useful into the ground;
• there should be quick access to the lower layers of the compost;
• must have a reliable bottom that will not rot (for example, a slate bottom);
• wood should be used whenever possible;
• The compost matures fairly quickly, so the bin needs to be wide.

A compost bin can be made from a variety of materials:

• boxes from under vegetables and fruit;
• plastic/metal barrels;
• board boxes;
• wooden pallets.

Before you arrange a place for compost, you need to understand the features of the compost that you want to prepare.

We will not take into account organics and other ingredients now, but pay attention to 4 factors that ultimately make up the correct, working compost: bacteria, moisture, air and time.

In order to combine all this in a box, the design in any situation and any material must have holes for ventilation (you can equip both the bottom and the walls or the lid of the box with holes)!

If we consider options from lumber or pallets, then first of all the bottom of the container and the walls must be properly dried in the sun and then flavored with an antiseptic and hydrophobic impregnation so that the box lasts as long as possible.

In order to equip a reliable box with your own hands, you need to consider that its content can be completely different.

So you must definitely put a lid - both to protect the contents, and a more aesthetic appearance in the surroundings of the cottage.

In spring and summer, at the peak of composting, it will also protect the contents from high temperatures and maintain optimal humidity inside.

The construction of the box is required only to maintain optimal conditions for the “ripening” of the fertilizer without your constant participation.

We have already dealt with the requirements of the composting technology itself, but there are some nuances in terms of manufacturing the design of the box itself.

The matter as a whole is simple, but it is better to make a box with your own hands once and for a long time.

Let's analyze the design using an unedged board as an example:

• Each box must have four support posts and form simple design- box.
• The supports are dug into the ground and serve only as a support for the entire structure;
• Bury the support so that the final height of the box is about 1.2 m (to the height of the abdomen);
• The device must have dimensions of 1x1 m (exactly a cubic meter). Doing less just doesn't make sense;
• Slots are allowed during construction (when stuffing boards with a gap);
• If you are building a dense structure “for centuries”, then at the end you will need to drill a lot of holes;
• The bottom of the box must be made of non-rotting material (for example, slate);
• At the bottom, you need to build a door for quick unloading of the finished compost;
• Do not deepen the container into the ground, do not allow the compost to come into contact with the soil;
• The bottom must be a must! Otherwise, all the work goes nowhere;
• Place the box out of direct sunlight.

The most suitable design is familiar wooden box, tightly knocked together, with many holes, which has a door at the bottom.

It is advisable to make the door the width of the box so that you can immediately rake off the bottom layer and then add a new one on top. Important quality compost - its uniformity and density.

When you open the door, it will not fall out like things from a crowded closet.

Until we get to the point case study handmade, a small technological find!

Remember the drawer cabinets, tables. The same principle can be used: when the compost has matured, you press on such a box and it pushes a whole layer at a time into the side hole.

This, if I may say “feint”, can be performed in two versions:

• The press will always be outside. It consists of a longitudinal board / sheet of metal with a convenient fastening, guides are not needed. But the minus of the design is that the handle will stick out from the outside;
• You put the drawer inside, but above it there will also be a sliding sheet of plywood, with holes. The bottom layer has ripened - the upper partition has been pushed in - the bottom drawer has been pulled out - the partition has been pushed in - the layer has been added on top - the partition has been opened and we are waiting for the next lower layer to ripen.

Step by step instructions for making

It is time to consider in practice the entire production process. We will consider not a device not of Finnish, but of ordinary, Russian, technology.

We will make a box and a three-dimensional cylinder from a garden mesh for a summer residence.

Box, instruction

The drawing requires 4 bars 10 by 10 cm and 1 meter long. These will be the anchor corners of the box. We prepare 16 boards 5 by 15 cm 1 meter long.

The boards will become the walls of the box (if the dimensions are larger, then you will find out the quantity during the assembly process).

If you use 12 boards of the indicated size, then you will leave gaps of the same width for ventilation.

If possible, purchase one uniform piece of wood in 1 square meter area, or make it with your own hands, knocking down several dense boards and reinforcing them across with two or three boards.

We nail one 5x15 cm board to two 10x10 cm boards: put two boards in parallel and nail the 5x15 cm board with the ends to the parallel boards, and so that the edges of the board are flush with the edges of the parallel boards.

At the end of knocking all the 5x15 cm boards into two load-bearing, parallel 10x10 cm beams, we will get two beams with 4 perpendicular boards. Thus we received ¼ of our future box. The design will consist of four pallets.

Make in the same sequence, similarly to the first - the second wall.

Place two walls vertically, parallel to each other and connect the two walls, forming the back, with the help of 4 more boards 5x15 cm.

Following the same pattern, nail the remaining 4 boards 5x15 cm. Remember to move the nails so that they do not collide in the wood. The bottom of the box is made of plywood / slate.

Place the lid we made in the second item above. The box is ready!

Collect 3 of these boxes and you will have compost just in time for the whole season of work.

Do-it-yourself mesh cylinder, instructions

Take a mesh 1 meter wide, and select the length based on the fact that when it is bent into a pipe, an optimal volume should be formed. The longer, the larger the volume of the final cylinder.

Prepare 4 bars 1.3 meters long, in a profile of 10 by 10 cm. They will become supports. 30 centimeters of length will be dug into the ground for stability.

Attach one end of the mesh to the bar, leaving 30 cm free. You can fasten it with a construction stapler or nails, bending the hat into a board.

Place the bars under the mesh and at the final bend - they should be outside the structure, but not inside!

Roll out the mesh so that you get a perfect circle and so that the ends of the mesh close together.

Connect the junction of the ends of the mesh with a stapler or nails with a bar. The bars should be parallel after fastening.

Put the resulting cylinder on the ground and attach the remaining 2 bars also in parallel.

The finished structure must be placed on a wooden stand, but not on the ground! Otherwise, the finished compost will begin to fertilize the soil right under the structure itself.

Compost laying, ripening

Now that our box / cylinder is ready, we can start preparing the fertilizer:

• Lay down about 20 cm layer of brown material (hay, twigs, shredded cardboard, leaves, sawdust, bark) for ventilation and drainage;
• Now add alternating brown material with green - tops, mowed grass, cut lawn, kitchen waste, weeds;
• You can add cow dung, a little garden soil and a handful of earthworms;
• Do not compact the contents - it must breathe. Over time, the heap under its own weight will be compacted and you will add another layer;
• Water and shovel the compost regularly. Avoid stagnant water and ammonia smell. The latter says that there is too much green material and brown should be added.
  After 2-3 months, the compost will acquire the smell of the earth and will be ready for use.

But not all ingredients are good for compost!

Grass cuts, potato peelings or cores - all this, instead of being thrown away, can be used as a natural fertilizer. You only need one in which compost will be made. And it can be quickly and cheaply made from four pallets.

Of course, you can buy a ready-made composter. However, it will cost much less to make one out of pallets, so it's worth a try. It's quick and easy to make and looks great in the garden.

1. Buy pallets.

For the composter you will need 4 pallets. They are made in different sizes, mainly from 60x40 to 120x100 or 114x114 cm. Thickness is from 12 to 14 cm.

2. Prepare the site.

Find the right place. It is undesirable to put the composter on compacted soil, because soil animals that decompose waste will not get into the composter through it. The place should be in the shade so that the compost does not dry out.

If you decide to make a composter, for example, on a terrace, and bring the worms by hand, then make a solid bottom under the composter.

3. Put the pallets together.

First, make a cube from pallets at the chosen place. Place each pallet on the ground with the long side, so the composter will be wider and easier to use.

4. Prepare your nails.

Connect the pallets with galvanized nails. Enough one on each upper corner.

5. Connect pallets from below.

Now drive in one carnation in each lower corner. You can connect the corners with large screws. So the composter will hold on tighter.

6. Compost.

After installing the composter, you can fill it with garden waste. A 100x120 cm pallet composter is sufficient for a medium plot. Smaller pallets can be used to build a low fence in front of the house, larger ones for a terrace.

If this amount of compost is not enough for the garden, it will not be difficult to increase the composter by adding three more pallets. So that the wood does not rot and the composter lasts longer, you can cover it with non-toxic paint, which will protect the wood from moisture.

The better the quality of the soil, the richer the crop grown on this land will be. But it happens that the initial data is not very good, and you have to fertilize the soil. To do this, you can use various fertilizers, but it is best to make a compost pit, which will become a source of environmentally friendly material. Consider how a do-it-yourself compost pit should be made: manufacturing options and materials suitable for this purpose.

In order to understand how to properly make a compost pit, you first need to figure out what it is used for. Typically, a compost pit is used to dispose of organic waste, which, as a result of the decay process, turns into organic fertilizer. There are many design options and each owner can only choose the most suitable option for themselves.

A compost heap does a great job of utilizing grass clippings and fallen leaves. Under the influence of time, moisture and microorganisms, all this turns into a fertilizer that can be used to grow any type of crop, both in gardens and in the garden.

Making a compost heap of organic fertilizers with your own hands is not difficult at all, especially since there are many ideas for self-implementation that can be used as a basis. You can make a compost pit yourself using pallets, which are usually used for transporting and storing building materials. They can be bought at a fairly low price, or quite possibly just found on your own site.

How to make a compost pit in the country: choosing a location

Speaking about the arrangement of the compost heap, one cannot but mention the importance of its correct location. First of all, the structure must be sufficiently removed from residential buildings. In addition, the place of its installation should be well blown by the wind in order to avoid stagnation of air and the concentration of an unpleasant odor emanating from it. In addition, access to compost must be ensured so that the process of adding raw materials or removing finished fertilizer is as comfortable as possible.

Helpful advice! In order for the decay process to proceed faster, it is recommended to periodically mix the layers inside the pile. Therefore, even at the stage of planning and arrangement, it is worth considering how this can be done.

In addition, the following criteria for selecting a site suitable for a compost pit should be taken into account:

• the chosen site should be located at a sufficiently large distance from any sources of drinking water, such as a well or well. The distance between these objects must be at least 25 m;
• if the site is not located evenly, but under a slope, then you need to make a compost pit below the water level (preferably at the lowest point of the site). This will prevent rotting runoff and clean water from entering;
• you should inquire in advance about the most frequent direction of the wind, since the pit often becomes a source of a rather strong and unpleasant odor, and can cause discomfort to both you and your neighbors;
• it is worth taking care that there is not only a free approach to the pit, but also enough space to be able to bring waste or remove ready-made compost using a wheelbarrow.

Helpful advice! For a compost pit, it is desirable to choose a shaded place, since the sun's rays adversely affect the process of decay, significantly slowing down the composting process.

What can and cannot be put in a compost pit

In order for the fertilizer obtained as a result of decay to be of high quality and bring benefits to plants, and not harm, each summer resident needs to familiarize himself in advance with the list of those products that may or may not be added to compost. So, for composting are great:

• grass, weeds, leaves, hay, straw, etc.;
• berries, fruits and any peelings from them (raw);
• waste from wood products that have not been painted;
• paper products (napkins, bags, cardboard) in crushed form;
• waste from the preparation of tea, coffee or cereals;
• branches and roots of trees after grinding;
• needles;
• herbivore manure (biennial only);
• wood ash.

Important! The percentage of cleanings from products such as potatoes and tomatoes in the compost should not exceed 15-20%.

• any plants that have been affected by pests;
• plants affected by diseases powdery mildew, late blight, etc.;
• excrement of domestic animals, as they can be infected with helminth eggs;
• bones and leftovers from meat products. They will provoke an extremely unpleasant odor, and will also become food for rats;
• inorganic waste - plastic, rubber, synthetic fabrics and metal;
• plants that have been treated with herbicides;
• the remains of cabbage, the rotting of which provokes an extremely strong and unpleasant odor.

As for the composting of weeds, experts recommend putting them in a separate pile, which is covered with a film on top. So, the risk that the plants will take root again is excluded and one can count on their death with one hundred percent probability.

If you add weeds to the general pile, then you often have to deal with the fact that perennials take root, especially if, as a result of regular watering or rain, the humidity is quite high.

Important! To speed up the process of decay of waste, it is recommended to pre-grind them. This is especially true for elements such as branches, roots and paper products.

Having figured out what can and cannot be put in a compost pit, it remains only to familiarize yourself with the rules for caring for waste in order to ensure that it rots as efficiently as possible. Moreover, the duration of the period during which compost will be formed directly depends on the correctness of the care carried out:

• humidity is the important indicator, which affects the decay of waste and the formation of compost. In order to maintain the desired level, it is recommended to periodically water a bunch of watering cans. At the same time, it is important that in the end it turns out wet, but not wet, since an abundance of water will adversely affect the viability and activity of bacteria;
• once a month, you need to carefully stir up the pile, thus ensuring the access of oxygen. This allows the waste not only to rot, but to burn out. At the same time, if there is no way to completely dig everything up, you can use a pitchfork and pierce a bunch in as many places as possible;
• to accelerate the maturation of the compost, the addition of nitrogen is required, which is found in large quantities in the green parts of plants, as well as in slurry.

The formation of high-quality compost usually takes 1-1.5 years. During this time, almost any waste and residues will fully decompose. The readiness of the compost can be recognized visually and by smell. The finished mixture is a crumbly mass Brown and has the smell of forest land.

Compost pit: what is it and why is it needed

The issue of compost application is one of the most popular. After all, not every summer resident knows how and why to use the resulting mixture, and how great its benefits are. In fact, you can fertilize the soil with compost for almost any plant. Cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and pumpkins respond best to such top dressing. The result can be seen already in the next harvest season - the fruits grow large, have a bright and rich color, taste and aroma are well pronounced.

But there are also plants for which compost is not so useful. For example, root crops, tomatoes, melons and watermelons should not be abundantly fertilized in this way, as this leads to the fact that the yield decreases, and the amount of green mass, on the contrary, increases.

Strawberries respond well to compost, especially if you first cut it “at the root” and overlay it with a semi-decomposed composition. Then all this needs to be watered, and all that remains is to wait for new fresh foliage, as well as a bountiful harvest next season.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options and design requirements

In order to properly build a compost pit, you need to understand how the compost heap should be arranged. There are many options for making your own hands, but first of all, you should pay attention to the fact that it should consist of three parts. In this case, you need to install 8 support posts, each of which must be processed with a protective agent.

Helpful advice! Machine oil, fuel oil or even tar can be used as a protective composition for posts.

A fence can be used as a fence on one of the sides, and boards are better suited for the rest. Partitions are constructed from them, in which holes for ventilation are necessarily left. This contributes to the process of decay. Also be sure to install a door that allows you to access the compost.

Making a compost pit in the country with your own hands involves ensuring the proper level of ventilation and at the same time protecting the contents from precipitation. So that the compost heap does not turn into a swamp, it must be covered with a special lid of a suitable size during the rainy season. And if the weather conditions are not too severe, then it is quite acceptable to use plastic wrap for this purpose.

Another option is to use construction pallets that are pre-disassembled. Using a circular machine, the boards can be divided into individual elements, and then assembled from them into a suitable structure. In this case, it is better to fasten the boards vertically. The front board can be fixed with adhesive. To give stability to such a structure, it is necessary to use the building level and trim the lower slats.

It is also important that the height of the walls of a homemade composter be such that it is convenient for a person of any height to add, turn and remove compost.

Interesting! You can pay attention to the designs of compost pits made according to Finnish technology. In this case, some design features are of interest, for example, when you extract humus from one compartment, it is automatically filled with raw materials from the next one.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options, photo examples

The type of compost pit is determined based on several factors. One of them is the installation method. Consider all the existing options:

• allocation of a certain place for organizing a compost pit. At the same time, a foundation pit is initially prepared, which is very similar to a well, but at the same time has a smaller depth. The walls of the pit are additionally strengthened to prevent shedding of the soil and are sheathed with an indent of 20-25 cm from the bottom. This distance is necessary in order to provide the microorganism with free access to waste;
• another option is to install a special container on the garden plot, designed to collect waste and process it into compost. This method allows you to get the finished product at any time. This design is based on a pit with formwork, as well as a special box made of boards. When implementing this option, it is extremely important to pay due attention to the organization of ventilation;
• a do-it-yourself compost heap is the easiest way to solve the problem. To do this, it is enough to make a substrate consisting of sand, gravel and dry grass. Waste is simply stacked on top, which over time will begin to rot.

Related article:

Detailed construction technology of structures: soil preparation, frame manufacturing, its installation and filling.

You can make a compost bin with your own hands using many different technologies and instructions. The proposed designs may differ in the materials that are required for work, dimensions, properties and ease of use.

Helpful advice! Regardless of the type of structure chosen, before starting the laying of raw materials inside the structure, it is necessary to thoroughly loosen the bottom and install ventilation holes.

DIY compost bin: manufacturing options and instructions

Before making a compost pit with your own hands, it is advisable to consider as many options and designs as possible that can be used for this purpose. We will analyze in detail the instructions for making the most popular boxes made from various materials.

Garden compost bin: features of installation and operation

A garden composter may well be presented in the form of a large box, divided into several sections. Usually they make two or three compartments, but experts strongly recommend stopping at the option with three sections, since each of them has its own purpose: the first one is used for laying waste, the second one is for waste ripening, and the third one stores ready-made compost.

Depending on the individual wishes of the owner, the composter can be stationary or mobile (move on wheels). In this case, the recommended height of the box should not exceed 1 meter, and the size of each section should be about 1-1.5 meters.

Important! All wooden elements must be treated with a special protective compound, designed to provide the material with reliable protection against harmful insects, as well as moisture.

To make a compost bin with your own hands, you need to follow the following procedure:

1. 8 wooden blocks are dug into the ground;
2. With the help of boards, also previously opened with a protective compound, partitions are constructed. To do this, they are attached to supports at a certain distance from each other.
3. In the front part, two compartments should be sheathed only to the middle, and only one lower board is nailed to the third. Doors are mounted on the first two from above.
4. The back and end parts are completely sheathed.
5. The entire structure is covered with two layers of moisture-resistant paint.
6. Finally, handles, latches, etc. are attached.

At the bottom of such a box, drainage must necessarily be laid, which may consist, for example, of dry tree branches. Immediately after this, you can proceed directly to the laying of waste inside the structure.

How to make a compost pit in the country using wooden boards

A compost pit is an excellent solution, if necessary, not to spoil the appearance of the site with the appearance of a pile of waste. The formation of fertilizer in such a design takes much longer, and in order for the process to proceed as correctly and efficiently as possible, it is important to take care of the proper arrangement and ensure access to the right amount of oxygen in advance.

Work procedure:

1. First of all, it is necessary to dig a compost pit, the width of which will be 1.5 m, the length is 2 m, and the depth is about 1 meter.
2. In the corners, you need to dig in wooden blocks, observing an indent from the walls of 20 cm on each side.
3. In increments of 5 cm, boards are attached to these posts.
4. The resulting box is divided into two parts using a wooden shield.

The bottom of the compost pit is filled with a ten-centimeter layer of tree bark, branches and straw. Such a mixture will take on the role of drainage, which will remove excess moisture and additionally ventilate the raw materials.

Initially, only one of the compartments should be filled with waste. Then, when one is half full, the compost must be transferred to the second compartment. This procedure will allow you to enrich it with oxygen as much as possible.

Important! The bottom and sides of the composter do not need to be covered with anything so that earthworms can freely get inside, which take an active part in the waste processing process.

How to make a slate compost bin

Slate is a durable material that is great for creating a structure designed to collect and process organic waste into compost. The procedure for creating a suitable design consists of several stages:

• choosing a suitable location and taking measurements to determine the appropriate size of the pit;
• according to the marks, a not too large recess is dug, in the corners of which supports are installed, which can be used as boards or metal pipes;
• slate sheets are installed along the perimeter of the pit;
• using the same sheets, the resulting container is divided into several parts (two or three).

The use of this design is carried out in accordance with all the same recommendations that are given for compost pits made of wood.

How to make a concrete compost pit in the country

With a little more time and attention given to the process of arranging a compost pit, as a result, it can last several decades without any problems. To do this, it is enough to concrete it. You can do this in the following way:

• you need to dig a hole about 80 cm deep, 2 m wide and 3 m long;
• make a formwork inside the pit;
• then you need to prepare a solution consisting of sand, gravel and cement. To do this, pour 5 liters of water into a bucket and add 5 kg of sand and cement to it so that the ratio of dry components is 3: 1;
• the resulting solution is poured into the formwork;
• using wooden boards and a chain-link mesh (a metal frame is also suitable), a cover is being built for the pit.

It is very important that in the case of using boards for mounting the cover, there should be a distance between the elements necessary for normal ventilation.

Compost pit using Finnish technology: the secrets of mounting the structure

The main requirement for structures made according to Finnish technology is compliance with certain dimensions. The height and width of the box must be the same and be 1 m. This is extremely important, because in a smaller box the raw material will simply dry out, turning not into compost, but into dust. Large sizes are unacceptable for another reason - in this case, there is a risk of burning the contents from too high a temperature.

For the manufacture of such a structure, it is best to use wood. Slate in this case is not a very suitable option, since structures made from it are characterized by a longer period of waste decomposition. Again, a cheap and at the same time quite convenient option is a Finnish pallet compost pit.

Algorithm for assembling a compost pit using Finnish technology:

1. From wood pre-treated with antiseptic agents, a box frame of the desired size is assembled.
2. Then the finished frame is sheathed with boards. The boards are tightly placed only on the partitions separating the compartments. On the side walls, the boards should be located with an indent of 1 cm.
3. The back wall of the structure is also sewn up with boards at a distance of 1 cm.
4. The bottom of the box is covered using a slab. At the same time, it is also important to maintain some distance between the elements so that excess liquid can be effectively discharged.
5. In the lower part of the front wall of the structure, a small door is equipped, the height of which is usually 30 cm. It is fixed using ordinary door hinges.
6. The roof of the structure is made gable, while one of the slopes is attached to hinges so that it simultaneously acts as a door, making it possible to fill waste inside.

Interesting! In one box, the size of which is 1 × 1 m, you can prepare an amount of compost sufficient to fertilize a plot of land of 5-7 acres.

Compost pit-bio toilet: what is it?

Another special type of compost pit is a dry closet, which is able to turn human waste products into compost. It is a structure consisting of two containers, the volume of each of which is 80 liters.

The use of this type of dry closet is as follows: after visiting the toilet, you need to turn a special handle, which is responsible for supplying a portion of a special mixture consisting of peat and sawdust. Thanks to this mechanism, the mixture is distributed evenly and falls asleep the waste that has got inside.

It is quite possible to use such a dry closet composter for the disposal of not too much food waste, simply throwing it inside and falling asleep with a dry mixture. When the first container is completely filled, it must be moved aside and replaced with the second one, which can be used in the same way. At this time, the first container will contain the compost mixture, completely ready for use.

Important! The compost obtained in such a composter will be very concentrated. This must be taken into account, and before introducing it into the soil, it is necessary to dilute the mixture with soil, sand or peat.

Criteria for choosing a ready-made composter for giving

At the same time, an increasing number of owners of suburban areas are striving to move away from the use of home-made structures, giving preference to purchased models. Consider what advantages and disadvantages ready-made designs have, and what parameters you need to pay special attention to before making a purchase.

In most cases, preference is given to simple and convenient composters that are easy to assemble and operate on their own. But since the number of offers on the modern market is extremely large, it can be really difficult to decide on the most suitable option on your own. As a guide, experts recommend using certain criteria, since models can be:

• collapsible or solid;
• with temperature sensor;
• with a special device that allows you to loosen the contents;
• with a mesh instead of a bottom, which provides protection against rodents;
• various shapes and sizes.

Composters also differ in the material that was used for manufacturing. So, plastic is the most popular today, because it has a low weight, which allows you to move it around the site without problems, and its service life is extremely long. If the structure is planned as stationary, then you can consider the option of acquiring a metal composter. Wooden models can also be found on sale, but they are not very common due to their short service life and exposure to external factors.

How to choose and buy a compost pit: an overview of the most popular brands and models

As examples, we can consider several composters that are most popular and have received many positive reviews from users.

Composter L&T Globe: features and specifications

This model is highly regarded by permanent residents country houses, since it can be used throughout the year, and not every product can boast of this. The L&T Globe was developed by Finnish specialists who took into account the harsh weather conditions of the local climate. This allows the composter to function without problems even in the most severe winters.

Another advantage of this model is the absence of small and heavy parts, so the operation of the device is quite simple. The working volume of the container is 310 liters, and durable polyethylene was used as a material for the manufacture. In order for the system to function even in the cold season, a 15 mm thermal insulation layer was provided, which allows maintaining the optimum temperature inside.

Due to the small height of this composter, a person of absolutely any height can fill and empty it. Moreover, for even more comfort, the design provides a removable top.

Thus, all these design features allow creating the most favorable environment for efficient waste composting. The microclimate, which is maintained inside the tank, promotes the growth and development of microorganisms that can process waste. The developers did not forget about the ventilation system, which is presented in the form of drainage holes in the bottom of the composter.

Important! The ventilation system of this model can be used in two modes: summer/winter. It is important to make the switch in a timely manner, using a shutter specially provided for this.

Bulbeo composter: features and benefits

This model is the development of Italian specialists, which exists in domestic markets in two versions that differ in size (700 and 900 liters). Initially, this model was intended exclusively for the processing of plant waste, but, as practice shows, it also copes well with the composting of other organic waste.

This composter belongs to collapsible models and consists of separate parts that are simply assembled and, if necessary, disassembled again. This allows you to rearrange the container from one place to another and even transport it. Moreover, when disassembled, this design takes up very little space and can easily fit in the trunk of an ordinary car.

Among the main advantages of this choice are:

• the ability to get free access to the structure from six sides;
• it is convenient to take out the finished compost thanks to the hinged doors;
• on the site, this model looks quite aesthetically pleasing, because it resembles a flowering bud in shape;
• discreet dark green color allows you to organically fit the structure into any landscape design.

Durable plastic is used as a material for this model, which provides reliable protection of the contents from wind and strong temperature changes. According to the developers, the rounded shape of the walls contributes to the maturation of the compost.

Of course, there are also ventilation holes providing access required amount oxygen. Anyone can easily assemble this model, because it does not require any tools or additional fasteners. The finished structure weighs only 19 kg, and its height is 885 mm.

Compost pit products: features and benefits of use

Having figured out how to make a compost pile, many expect that they will soon be able to use the nutrient fertilizer made in it. But the reality is that the natural maturation of compost can last up to 2 years. Of course, you can just be patient and wait. But you can go the other way by buying a special tool that promotes the maturation of compost and speeds up this process.

Interesting! The question of the use of excipients is especially relevant for those regions of the country where the warm period is short. If warm weather lasts only 2-3 months, then the compost ripening period has to be reduced artificially.

So, there are several drugs that are well suited for this purpose and are recommended not only by experts, but also by real users. They all have different names but, in general, the principle of their action is the same. As an example, consider the Tamir tool.

Tamir is an extremely complex drug, which includes a whole complex of microorganisms that in the natural environment are responsible for ensuring the decomposition of organic debris and waste. Due to the high concentration of these bacteria, the composting process is many times faster, and after 2-3 weeks, full maturation occurs.

It is worth noting that the compost obtained in this way is not completely decomposed waste and is somewhat different from the usual consistency. But its final decomposition will occur directly in the soil, which will bring even greater benefits to plants.

Important! It is believed that compost obtained as a result of the action of auxiliary preparations, as a fertilizer, is many times more useful than that which was obtained naturally. Therefore, answering the common question whether it is possible to use funds for compost pits, the answer is unequivocal - not only possible, but even necessary.

All funds of this type are used according to the following technology:

• if the heap has not yet been formed, then the drug is added on top of each new layer, after which it is all poured with water;
• in the already finished heap, you need to make a recess to the full height, into which the drug and water are added.

Other ways to speed up the maturation of the compost heap

In addition to complex preparations, other ways can be used to stimulate the processing of organic waste and the maturation of compost in the pit. Let's consider each of them in more detail:

• the use of rotted manure, which is quite capable of replacing biochemical preparations intended for composting. At the same time, it is forbidden to use fresh manure, as it can become a source of not only helminth eggs, but also weed seeds, pathogens, etc.;
• a solution made from ordinary yeast. To prepare it, you need 1 liter of water and about 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. To this is added 200 grams of sugar (1 cup). Such a solution is poured into the recesses made in the compost heap;
• herbal infusion. To improve the effect, it is mixed with chicken manure or slurry in a ratio of 5:2. It is important to know that the amount of nitrogen contained in fresh bird droppings is much greater than in manure, which means that the ratio should be different.

Helpful advice! In order to regularly get bird droppings into the compost heap naturally, you can install a feeder above it. This will greatly facilitate and speed up the process.

The methods of accelerating maturation also include artificial moistening of raw materials, its tedding and other measures designed to create the most comfortable microclimate for composting.

How to arrange a compost pit in the country with your own hands

Whatever design is chosen for making compost, it is unlikely that its appearance will turn out to be attractive enough in the end. Most likely, no one will want to look at the compost pit, so it will be useful to think about how you can use the original design to improve its appearance.

The problem of masking the compost pit is especially relevant for small plots, since almost the entire territory is in plain sight. Although it happens that even for spacious plots, the owners use various design strategies to give the compost pit a more attractive look. So, in order to hide such an object, you can use:

• camouflage with plants and hedges;
• artificial decorations and stationary fences.

Works related to the manufacture of artificial fences are necessarily carried out in an open area located at some distance from the location of the compost pit. This is necessary in order to make it more convenient to work and to be able to move freely without being subjected to discomfort from the smell emitted by the heap.

The main requirement for such a fence is that it should hide the entire site from the eyes of guests and owners. That is, the compost heap should be completely hidden behind it, and the appearance of the fence should be as attractive as possible and be in harmony with the environment.

Much longer and somewhat more difficult to create hedges for this purpose. But they look much more natural and elegant. The main thing is to pay attention to the choice of a suitable plant, so that in the end the hedge is not too bulky and lush, and does not break the overall structure of the site.

Helpful advice! You can use light translucent screens entwined with vines as a fence. They do an excellent job with the task, and at the same time do not take up much space, so they are quite suitable for both large and small areas.

Best ideas for decorating a silo

Other elements, such as special screens or screens, can also be used to mask the place where the compost heap is located. Bamboo fences have proven to be excellent. Plants also look good if carefully planted in a row.

At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to equip a compost pit directly under fruit trees, as this can lead to their death. Between the compost and plants you need to maintain some distance.

The following design methods are the most popular:

• fruit trees and berry bushes planted in a row;
• potted gardens, placed on several levels to hide the entire structure;
• installation of a small architecture object: a gazebo or a fenced barbecue (of course, in this case, you should make sure that the unpleasant smell of decaying waste does not interfere);
• flower beds with tall plants;
• supporting wall.

Separately, it is worth noting the masking of compost heaps if a plastic container was used for them. In this case, it is not necessary to completely mask it. You can use it as a decoration of the site by painting it in a bright color and planting beautiful flowers around. You can draw any pattern on such a container, thus giving it originality.

It is easiest to work with small compost pits, which can be hidden with an abundance of flowers or even shrubs. Speaking of which, a compost yard is a great place to experiment with growing new varieties of annuals.

You can clearly see how do-it-yourself composters are made and designed for summer cottages by watching tutorials and detailed instructions. It is enough to decide which design is best suited in a particular case, as well as take into account your own individual requirements and wishes. Otherwise, there will be no problems, since there are as many options for do-it-yourself compost pits as there are ready-made models.

How to make a compost pit with your own hands: video instruction

A compost pit made from organic waste is an integral part of a summer cottage or personal plot. If you have your own garden, a person tries to cultivate healthy vegetation and fruits that do not contain nitrates on fertile soil. For this purpose, they use organic fertilizers obtained from compost. The purpose of this article is to tell garden owners how to make a compost pit from inexpensive improvised materials.

Instructions for making a compost pit (box) with your own hands

Making your own compost pit is easy. Its arrangement involves the use of lightweight and inexpensive components. In the example below, a compost bin is created from pallets used in the construction industry for folding consumables. You can buy such pallets for a small amount or even get them for free by picking them up after unloading building materials.

making a compost pit with your own hands. A photo

If you do not yet know how to create a compost pit with your own hands, the step-by-step instructions below will tell you in detail about this procedure.

First thing choose a place, the most suitable for arranging a compost heap. This site should be located away from residential buildings and preferably in an area where winds predominate. This will eliminate the possibility of an unpleasant smell from the compost in the yard.

Follow drawing provided as an example to properly create a compost bin. Remember that it should have a presentable appearance, be easy to use, and be easy to dismantle when filled with organic waste.

do-it-yourself compost pit manufacturing options. A photo

Disassemble prepared wooden pallets by removing the connecting elements (nails). The result of such work will be the receipt of edged boards.

Use a circular saw to divide all boards into blanks about 1 m long. A compost bin will be created from them.

In order to assemble an integral structure from separate boards, two of them should cut out jigsaw rectangular holes. The photos and videos attached to the instructions will help the master navigate how to make cutouts in the remaining boards in order to accurately connect them to two cross beams.

do-it-yourself compost pit step by step with a photo

Mounting all boards (except for front ones) are carried out vertically, and they are fastened with mounting glue. The first (front) board is equipped at a slight angle to the entire structure, and without the use of an adhesive solution. Compliance with this condition is necessary to facilitate the disassembly of the structure. The device of the compost box of the described type allows you to easily rearrange it to another place, disassemble it after filling it with organic waste and vegetation residues.

In order to make a compost bin made of wooden pallets stable, during its installation in the area allotted for this, align the bottom boards of the finished box using a level.

As you can see, it takes very little effort to create a compost pit from waste materials from the construction industry. The finished compost bin looks decent, and makes it possible to dispose of all unnecessary vegetation from your own garden plot. Gradually compacted in such a container, and being under the influence of moisture and putrefactive bacteria, the vegetation turns into a high quality organic fertilizer, ideal for feeding garden vegetation.

How to make a compost pit. Video

Making a compost bin with your own hands

The issue related to the disposal of plant waste in the garden is of concern to most gardeners. It is not worth taking them out of the garden, because with the right approach, organic matter can be excellent. fertilizer. Folding unnecessary vegetation, as noted above, is better in a compost pit, which should be voluminous. We suggest considering the option of building a compost pit with your own hands, a step-by-step instruction for which will help even a beginner to carry out the procedure.

As an example, take the construction compost bin, consisting of three sections.

Set 8 wooden columns, having previously treated the lower part of each of them (the one that will be located underground) with a protective composition. Fuel oil, tar or used machine oil can be used as a protective solution.

If a fence strong and reliable on your personal plot, then its canvas can be used as a support for one of the sides of the compost bin bars (as shown in the photo). Actually, this option makes the task easier, eliminating the need to dig a few more holes for the posts.

The next step in creating a structure is the arrangement of sectional partitions. To do this, nail several boards to the supports, leaving necessarily between them small slots for ventilation. It should also be noted that in two compartments of the box small doors, therefore, its front part should be sheathed with boards only up to half the height.

The third compartment is equipped with a large door, and in this regard, it is worth nailing only one board at the bottom, front of the box.

The next stage of work is installation covers. The end sections of the sectional partitions, as well as the rear and front walls, are reinforced with crossbars.

do-it-yourself compost bin. A photo

Doors are hung, which also serve as compost bin covers. It is already clear that one large and two small doors will be located in front.

When creating a wooden compost bin, immediately take care that the wood does not become an integral component of organic fertilizers prepared from plant waste. The process of compost maturation involves the gradual decomposition of organic matter, and the tree also belongs to the components of natural, organic origin. And therefore, when constructing a three-section compost bin from boards, it is desirable to soak every detail well special composition deep penetration. It will protect the tree from moisture, putrefactive processes and harmful insects. It is not difficult to buy now a solution for the complex protection of wooden surfaces, but it should be remembered that it must be non-toxic. Then organic fertilizer (compost) will turn out to be of high quality.

After the boards are soaked, the finished compost bin stained in a color that suits you. Paint is desirable to select non-toxic. It should be highly resistant to temperature extremes, not fade in the sun. Apply it to the box in two layers.

The last step in creating the structure is to hang the latches and handles. Compost pit from boards is completely ready for use!

Compost pit. Its equipment options

Now there are many different technologies for building compost pits with your own hands. Each owner of a summer house or a country house with a land plot chooses the type of construction that is ideally suited to the specific conditions of the area. Here are some of the most common types of compost pit equipment.

Option 1. It is rarely used, and mainly in cases where ready-made compost is supposed to be used no earlier than in 1.5-2 years. The essence of the work here is to dig a hole in a designated area. It should be similar in shape to a well, but not as deep. The walls of the compost pit must be strengthened so that the soil does not collapse. The peculiarity of the pit prepared in this way is that in it the raw materials for fertilizer will ripen naturally, without human intervention. And therefore it is worth taking care of creating optimal conditions for the preparation of organic fertilizers. The walls of the finished pit begin to be sheathed at a height of 15-25 cm from the bottom, while no material is laid on the bottom itself. This will allow microorganisms and worms to penetrate from the soil into the folded vegetation residues unhindered.

Advice. Before laying the plant mass in the pit, loosen its bottom well, and also equip the ventilation outlet in the form of a pipe. After heavy rains or heavy watering, cover the compost pit with plastic wrap. This activates the work of microorganisms, and the overheating of organic matter will go faster.

If possible, it is better to create a compost pit in this way outside the house adjoining area, in a forest belt.

Option 2. In this case, a compost pit is equipped right in the garden. Many land owners note that this option is more convenient in the sense that organic fertilizers are unloaded from the pit as needed. The basis of the design is the formwork, and it can be made from any materials at hand. These can be plastic barrels or a box assembled from individual boards. The presented method also involves providing access to worms and microorganisms in the thickness of organic residues. And therefore, the soil is loosened before laying the vegetation, and the formwork structure is slightly deepened (by about 20-30 cm). The need for natural air circulation in the created box causes the leaving of slits between the plank structural elements, or the formation of holes in plastic surfaces.

Option 3. Another method of preparing organic fertilizers from plant residues is the creation of a so-called pile, or compost heap. This technology is considered the simplest, but when using it, hygiene requirements are not met. On the backyard territory, when choosing this method of preparing compost, the optimal site is selected, on which a substrate of gravel, sand or dry grass is immediately made. Plant waste is placed on top of it, and they are waiting for their overheating. Organic fertilizer reaches full readiness in two or more years. The difficulty lies in the fact that the pile has to be periodically mixed, and before the onset of winter, it is still necessary to insulate it so that microorganisms do not die under the influence of cold.

So, there are many options for equipping a compost pit, and the difference between them is both in terms of the materials used, and in terms of the size and features of its design. In any case, with the right approach, creating it yourself will not be difficult even for a novice master.

Slate compost pit

A do-it-yourself compost pit for its creation requires the presence of durable materials from which it would be possible to make the walls of a box in which plant residues will be stored. The previous sections have already described the possibilities of forming such structures from boards, building pallets or plastic barrels. There is another good way - a compost bin from slate waste. In the household, many zealous owners of summer cottages will surely have such. Slate leaves make an excellent base for the walls of a compost bin. In addition, a compost pit made of such material will turn out to be reliable and durable. To create a slate box with your own hands, we recommend doing the work in the following sequence:

Decide on the exact parameters designs. Remember that the pit should be such that all the plant waste collected from the site for two seasons (and sometimes more time) is placed inside it. Considering that a small pile of vegetation residues (tops, fallen leaves) is approximately 0.25 cubic meters in volume, then a pit for their processing can be made 1m * 1m * 1m in size. In this case, there will still be some room for food waste.

After choosing a territory, you need to do a little deepening in the soil (by 20-30 cm).

In the corners of the structure and in the central part are installed racks, created from thick tree branches or ordinary metal pipes of small diameter.

With the help of prepared slate sheets, walls compost box.

The compost matures in the pit for two years, and the slate partition, located in the middle of the box, makes it possible to use the internal space of the pit continuously. That is, the result of the work is a two-section slate box, each of the compartments of which is used in turn.

List of requirements for a compost bin

When studying the question of how to make a compost pit from certain materials, one should not forget about the requirements for such structures. First of all, when making a compost box, you need to take into account that organic matter needs a constant supply of air to ripen. Therefore, on the sides of the structure must be present ventilation holes. So that useful substances from the created organic fertilizer are not washed into the soil, it is advisable to cover the compost pit during rain lid. Instead of a lid, you can also use an ordinary plastic film, but in this case it will need to be somehow fixed around the edges to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. It should also be taken into account that the compost from the bottom matures faster, so easy access to the bottom of it should be provided. In the diagram above, you can see how the simplest compost bin works. Note that the boards located on the side are made removable, and the dimensions of the structure can be changed. As an option, you can consider creating a box with removable front boards.

There is also a way to create an opening box of a simpler design. In it, the loops will be made of durable strips of rubber or other elastic material. They are well fixed on the surface of the boards knocked together.

An economical option for creating a compost bin would be a product made of wooden pallets, the installation of which does not require special skills and a lot of time.

What can and cannot be thrown into the compost pit?

Having found out how a compost pit is made from various consumables, one cannot ignore the recommendations on what kind of waste can be thrown into it and which cannot.

A self-constructed compost pit will fully justify the purpose of its creation if the following types of organic waste are collected in it:

• Fallen tree bark, old leaves and small branches, needles, grass roots and small tree roots.
• Mature dung and bird guano.
• Grass and cut weeds.
• Leftover herbal tea or coffee.
• Cleaning vegetables and fruits, missing berries, fruits and vegetables.
• Ash left over from burning wood.
• Wood shavings, straw, sawdust, hay.
• Napkins, cardboard, paper bags and the paper itself.

Recommendation. To make a thick layer of grass laid in a compost pit decompose faster, sprinkle it on top with fresh, loose soil. If this is not done, the process of overheating the grass will be delayed for a period of six months to a year.

As for those components that cannot be laid in a compost pit, then their list contains:

• Potato and tomato tops. Often it is infected with late blight spores, and laying it in compost in the future will lead to the spread of the disease throughout the garden plot, and the defeat of new seasonal vegetation with late blight.
• Products of inorganic origin that will not decompose under the influence of natural factors. These include metal, polyethylene bags, rubber and synthetics, components with a plastic base.
• Vegetation generously fertilized with chemicals.
• Thick branches that take a long time to rot.
• Weed seeds that have already passed the ripening stage.
• Feces of animals living in the house. They may contain inclusions in the form of bones or helminth eggs.

How to properly operate a compost pit?

In the previous sections of our article, we found out how to make a compost pit from improvised components, as well as what can be put into it and what is undesirable to put in a pit. Now it remains to identify those simple requirements that will help to properly operate the structure for storing compost throughout the year. Here they are:

• Try to periodically loosening compost garden pitchfork. This will ensure the flow of oxygen to the decaying organic matter. Stirring the waste will help speed up the decomposition process.
• The compost heap should be occasionally pour water. If the weather is dry and hot outside, then the amount of watering of the ripening compost should be increased. With regular moisture, the contents of the pit will rot better and faster. But dry compost completely stops its decomposition.
• If there is such an opportunity, then it is advisable to periodically lay in the thickness of rotting vegetation California worms. They will not only loosen the contents of the compost, but also partially process it.
• It is advisable to lay on top of the waste in the pit dark plastic film. Thanks to it, a greenhouse effect will occur in the thickness of the raw biomaterial, and as a result of it, the temperature inside the heap will increase significantly. The burnout of vegetation folded in layers will occur faster. At the same time, the presence of the film ensures the preservation of a moist environment in the compost, and prevents the growth of weeds there. The maturation period of a compost heap covered with a film is 3-4 months. If the pit with organic matter is not covered, then the process of waste maturation will stretch for a whole year.
• If possible, it is recommended to add to the compost pit special preparations, accelerating the decomposition of components. Among the most famous such compositions are Baikal EM-1, Sanex EcoCompost, Compostar, Compostin, Embionic.

With proper arrangement of the compost pit and regular maintenance of it, homeowners will be able to obtain high-quality fertilizer that does not contain harmful substances.

Compost pit with your own hands. Video