Building compost bin & I have questions

H_TX 6/3/2011, 2:59 pm

I want to get started on composting. I have thought about a 3x3x3 bin made of wood and wire mesh. I was thinking about turning this cube almost daily and then opening it up and giving it a good turn or mixing occasionally and hopefully help speed up the process. My problem is that I have no experience with this. Will I be able to push this cube over on its side or will it be too heavy? How long should it take to compost? Can I keep this bin in a shaded area since it is plenty hot in Houston?

westx 6/3/2011, 7:34 pm

3x3x3 is a good size bin and when full may be a pain to turn over the bin. I would suggest building 2 bins side by side then turn from one bin to the other. I do mine about once a month or so or if like last year didn't touch it all winter as I had lots of cow poo from our barn that I just let set and compost. Worked pretty well. Once a week turning should be plenty of turning though. Got to give it a chance to get things heat up good. Once you turn it, it will cool down some and slow down the process. Just my thoughts.

kurango 6/7/2011, 10:42 pm

H_TX,

I am assuming you want to have a hot compost pile. One that composts quickly.
I suggest that you just use the wire mesh to make a 3'x3' round bin. I hold mine together with zip ties. Whenever I want to turn the pile . . .
I cut the zip ties, reposition the wire mesh, next to the pile, then put new zip ties on the wire.

May I also suggest that you watch all the videos from the following link.

http://uccemg.com/Soils-Fertilizers-Compost/Composting-Video-Series-386/

Once you have watched them contact me and I will tell you what I have found to happen, what to avoid, and what to do next.

kurango

TN_GARDENER 7/11/2011, 8:14 pm

I'm not sure if the pile would have a chance to heat up if it were turned daily.

I prefer to let mine cook. Turning only after I notice a drop in temperature (I use a probe thermometer).

As far as turning goes. I find that it's easier to have a couple bins and use a pitchfork to move it from one pile to the other.

I've said it before, but I think it's worth saying again: See if you can get some used coffee grounds from the local coffee shops. I have noticed a significant improvement in my pile this year once I mixed in some used coffee grounds...and mine is under a big shade tree up here in Tennessee.

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Building compost bin & I have questions

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