Building a Compost Bin

Tips for Crafting Your Own Compost Bin

Building a compost bin with your own two hands, besides being cost-effective, can really contribute to the natural and organic experience of composting. Here are instructions on building a chicken wire column, which is an easily built and effective composting bin.

What You Will Need

To construct this garden compost bin, You will need a 10-foot length of 36-inch chicken wire (galvanized is best), three or four 4-foot-tall wooden or metal posts, heavy wire for ties, heavy-duty wire cutters, pliers, a hammer, and work gloves.

How to Build a Compost Bin
Begin by folding back three to four inches of wire at each end of the wire mesh. This will provide a strong, clean edge and prevent poking or snagging. Next, stand the chicken wire in a circle and set it in place. Cut pieces of the heavy wire long enough to make ties, and then use the ties to attach the ends of the chicken wire together. You will need the pliers to do this. Finally, space the wood or metal posts around the inside of the chicken-wire circle, and pound them firmly into the ground.