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Should I line my compost bin?
Given that you want it to last 5 years, if the wood is thick enough then you do not need to line it. The wood will start to “compost” (i.e. rot) and fall away from the sides but only after a long time and it’s highly likely that it will make it to the five year mark.
What do you put in the bottom of a compost bin?
Greens are grasses, fresh leaves and weeds, and vegetable and fruit kitchen scraps. Almost everyone advises putting down a layer of coarse material — corn cobs and husks, sticks, thick fibrous stalks from vegetables or tall flowers. This layer improves aeration at the bottom of the compost pile.
What is the best surface to put a compost bin on?
soil
Ideally site your compost bin in a reasonably sunny spot on bare soil. The reason you should site your bin on soil is that it makes it very easy for beneficial microbes and insects to gain access to the rotting material. It also allows for better aeration and drainage, both important to successful composting.
Should I line my compost bin with cardboard?
Line your kitchen bin with plenty of newspaper and/or cardboard and it will help keep it clean too. You can add the above to a garden composting system, or just mix it up with the trickier materials (still not forgetting the cardboard and scrunched paper, though) and deal with it in an enclosed system.
Is it OK to have maggots in my compost?
If you happen to find maggots in your compost, first of all, don’t panic. Remember, they are harmless and actually quite helpful. But if you’d like to eliminate maggots from your compost bins, here are some tips: Add more browns: Your compost should be a balance of wet and dry materials.
Do you need to line your compost bin with plastic?
Plastic linings will help prevent decay, but chemicals from the plastic may leach into your compost and the plastic itself will start to decay eventually, so small plastic parts may also end up in the compost. Alternatively, you can oil the wood to make it last just a bit longer,…
Which is the best way to compost at home?
The latter option is definitely the most green, but make no mistake, there’s more to composting than just tossing bits of unwanted food in a bin every now and again. So, if you find yourself becoming more interested in this eco-friendly activity that has major benefits for your garden, read on for our best composting tips to help get you started.
How long does a wood compost bin last?
I think most wood types will last about 5 to 10 years. Plastic linings will help prevent decay, but chemicals from the plastic may leach into your compost and the plastic itself will start to decay eventually, so small plastic parts may also end up in the compost.
How much does it cost to make a compost bin?
You can easily spend $100 or more on a high-end composter. For this reason, many gardeners create their own methods for holding compost out of lumber or by repurposing a container. If you don’t have much space to compost or just want to start on a small scale, consider making a compost bin from a plastic storage container.