Inexpensive and simple to construct and to use, wire compost bins are the preferred choice of many small scale gardeners. While not as elaborate as some compost bin designs, they offer the advantage of ease of use, small size and portability.
Constructing a Wire Compost Bin
Constructing the bin is simplicity itself. They can be made out of any wire fencing material. Both chicken wire or plastic snow fencing work well. Fencing that is three to four feet tall will make a compost bin that is of sufficient depth to get good decomposition without being too unwieldy.
The first step is to cut the fencing to size. To determine the length that is needed, decide what diameter of bin is desired and then multiply times 3.25. This also allows for a little overlap to fasten the two ends together. For a compost bin that is three feet in diameter, cut a length of fencing that is 9 feet, 8 inches long. For a four foot bin, cut a thirteen foot length.
Since these materials generally come in a roll, the bin will naturally assume the desired shape. Just form it into a cylinder and wire or tie the ends together. It isn’t necessary to go overboard, tying every six to eight inches is sufficient. The bin will not be asked to support an excessive amount of weight.
Using a Wire Compost Bin
Wire Compost Bins
To build the compost pile, set the bin in the desired location. If desired, though not essential, stakes can be attached to keep the bin in place. As a first layer, it is good to start with a layer of small sticks or twigs. This will keep the compost pile off the ground and allow air circulation from underneath. Continue filling with organic waste, chopping and mixing or alternating between layers of green and brown material. Chopping, mixing and alternating all help to speed up the composting process. Or, just throw it all in. It will all decompose, eventually.
Proper moisture is important to good bacterial action. About as damp as a wrung out sponge is appropriate. If the pile is too dry, decomposition won’t occur. On the other hand, if water drips out when a handful is squeezed, it is too wet. Add water as the pile is being built, and then check every few days for proper moisture. Since this type of compost bin is much more open than other types, heat, wind and rain will all affect the pile.
Because of its smaller size and open construction, the compost pile may not generate sufficient heat on its own. Heat is needed to speed up decomposition and to sterilize weed seeds. Without proper heat buildup, compost may take many months or years to develop, and then be so full of active weed seeds as to cause more problems than it helps.
Covering the bin loosely with a dark colored tarp will help in several ways. It will absorb sunlight and help transfer the heat to the compost pile. It will also help shelter the bin from the drying effects of the wind. Finally, it will protect the compost from the rain, which can cause too much moisture for good decomposition and wash some of the vital nutrients out of the compost and into the surrounding soil.
Using Finished Compost
To use the compost, it is only a matter of lifting off the wire bin and then using the compost as needed. If the compost isn’t quite ready, it can be forked or shoveled back into the bin for further decomposition. Ensure that it is wetted down to the proper degree for optimal composting. Once it has been used, start over with a new batch.
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