A Composting System for Frugal Eating

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Organic compost is an important part of gardening. It is not difficult to acquire, and can be made by you. It is as simple as building a one 3-sided bin, or as elaborate as  creating three bins side-by-side.

Single 3-sided Bin

You will need:

3 large heavy pallets (scavenged)

nails (saved to reuse)

hammer

1. Nail the three pallets together to form three walls: The back and two sides.

 

3-bin Method

You will need:

7 large heavy pallets (scavenged)

nails (saved to reuse)

hammer

1. Build the first bin like you did above.
2. Build a second one.
3. Place these two bins together, one pallets’ width apart. Nail the last pallet to the back sides of each of the first two bins, forming three bins. This pallet is simply a third back wall.

 

Of course, these bins can be made from various other materials. My single bin is held together with black electrical tape because it was what I had on hand. This set-up has lasted two years thus far. I acquired my pallets free from my sisters’ yard. I often see them on roadsides, and next to dumpsters.

Next spring I plan to use the other two pallets that I have available to make a second bin. It will be attached to the first. I could do this now, but it can wait.

My bin is placed to the back of my shed. This way, it cannot be seen from the road. My neighbors on that side can only see it if they happen out their back door. I’m not to worried about it bothering them, considering their mess

So, now that you have a bin – or at least a plan for one – you may be wondering how to ‘make’ compost. I will tell you how I made mine:

1. You may be able to skip this step, which will be a money saver. Unfortunately, my tiny lot that I rent has real crappy soil. I had to fix this problem in order to be able to garden with any real success. To do this, I brought in compost to start, as well as organic soil for containers and dirt. I made sure it was organic. I urge you to find a place to get this for free if at all possible.
2. Mom and Lloyd also bring in cow manure. I have never done this, but I can see the value in it, once mixed with the organic soil. Again, look for a free source if possible. Chicken and rabbit droppings are other options for this. These things take time to cure before they can be added to a garden. Be sure these animals are fed organically.
3. Now, when making the garden beds, I would dig each space at least a foot down. I would then sift out the rocks and then add the dirt to the compost bin. This I would mix in well, then fill the holes with the amended soil. Any large rocks are used in gardening projects, or to hold the banking down on the trailer during the winter months.
4. I planted that way my first year doing a big garden. Once the spring planting was done, I started to add to my bin. I added all kinds of stuff. I did this for the rest of the spring, summer and fall.
5. Each time I added something, I would turn the compost just enough to cover the item. I then, once a week, would turn the whole thing… all of the soil in the bin. Then I let it sit all winter, doing nothing to it and adding nothing.
6. I then had great soil to work with. I sifted out anything that hadn’t broken down yet before adding the soil to my garden. It smelled like dirt; looked like healthy dirt. All was good.
7. All still is. I started the cycle again this year, and will continue to do so every year.

By adding the second bin in the spring, I will be able to have a two-year system for composting. That will give the first and second bins two years to cure, by using compost from one bin on even numbered years, and the second on odd numbered years. It will work out nicely.

I want t0 add a third bin as well, at some point. This one will allow me to compost larger sticks and other debris that takes longer to break down.

Not a bad plan, if I do say so myself

Of course, what you add to your compost bin makes all of the difference. You want to try to only compost organic materials, which will provide the healthiest soil for planting.

Yes, the chemicals in your soil will seep into the plants that you grow, and end up on your kitchen table at meal time. And then into the bodies of your family. This is why it is so important for you to start with organic compost, then only use organic seeds, seedlings, cuttings and soil amendments. Nothing inorganic should be introduced to the soil.

So, what can be added to a compost bin to make healthy soil?

• Kitchen scraps, but no meats. Think scraps from fruits, vegetables, egg shells, tea and coffee bags and grounds, soy milk, etc. Popcorn and kernels. Old herbs and spices. Old pasta.
• Yard wastes, like garden scraps, leaves, twigs, and tree bark. Don’t forget pine needles.
• Animal waste, such as bird cage cleaning, rabbit droppings, chicken droppings and cow manure. Of course, you want these to come from animals that are fed organic diets. Pet hair as well, if you do not use shampoos and chemicals on them.
• Human hair clippings.
• Matches, wood ashes, and moss from old craft projects.
• And many, many other things.

There you have it. A great way to create compost for your frugal garden. Hopefully you can find the necessary items to begin with for free. Or,at least, real cheap. If not, remember: The cost will be less over the long haul. In hospital bills, as well as well is in your wallet. A healthy soil provides healthy meals.

Shannon

 

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