Of course, once you’ve learnt how to make a composter, then the next step is how to make compost – this will help you to create rich compost for your garden, helping you to save money and realise your sustainable garden ideas. ‘While it may not seem like it, food waste can contribute significantly to carbon emissions – six percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food loss and waste. But creating your own compost means you not only reduce food waste, but you also create nutrient-rich compost that is great for your garden without having a buy a thing,’ explain the gardening experts at The Greenhouse People (opens in new tab).
How to make a composter
Simply put, a composter is a vessel in which you make compost. They can be any size and shape from round barrels through to square wooden structures, there are even rotating designs that help to speed up the composting process. Before you learn how to make a composter, you need to decide which composter you want to make – the easiest is the round barrel composter; though a wooden composter will blend more seamlessly into your wildlife garden ideas, or the more technically challenging rotating composter can produce compost in as little as three weeks. ‘Create a compost bay in your garden using recycled timbers, or use a compost bin in a shady, level, well-drained position, where water can drain away and worms can get in and do their work,’ explains H&G’s garden expert Leigh Clapp. Regardless of the shape of your composter, the process for making compost is the same for all styles.
Layer wood, twigs, cardboard and newspaper on the base of your composter.Then add in your food and garden waste (also known as green waste) alongside cardboard, twigs and straw (also known as brown waste). This will ensure that your compost has a good balance of carbon (provided by the brown) and nitrogen (provided by the green).Water your compost heap when it gets dry though ensure it is not soaked.Feed it with a nitrogen-rich feed such as blood and bone meal to help speed up the composting process.Turn your compost every few days, this will help to aerate it and distribute moisture.Ensure your composter is covered to protect it from the elements and keep rats, racoons and similar pests from making a home in your composter.
If you don’t want to turn your compost learn how to use a wormery for compost –here the worms take on the hard work of turning the compost for you, resulting in ultra-fine compost that is ideal for sowing seeds.
How to make a composter in a container
Container gardening ideas aren’t just for flowers: container composters are the most common method, with lots of homeowners having purchased the iconic black or green bins. However, it is surprisingly easy to learn how to make a composter from a plastic container.
How to make a composter with wood
Wooden composters are a practical and an aesthetic choice of composter. It can easily be made from recycled wood, old scaffold boards or pallets or you can learn how to make a composter from decking or cedar boards. In fact, cedar wood is the best material for making a compost bin – though will of course be more costly than recycled wood or pallets. Regardless of the wood you choose, it is essential to select wood that has no signs of rot. Depending on the type of wood used, you can expect your wooden composter to last between 5 and 10 years. The thicker the wood the longer it will last. You can also extend your wooden compost bins life for a few years by treating the interior and exterior of your wood with organic hemp oil or linseed oil. There are lots of blueprints online for how to make a composter from wood – these are available in various sizes and styles. However, the fundamentals of each method is to create a square box with a lid. The easiest method for how to make a composter from wood is to use pallets:
How to make a compost heap
A compost heap is the easiest way to learn how to make a composter – however it is also the less aesthetically appealing and as such is better suited to large gardens where your compost heap can be hidden out of view and placed far away from your patio ideas. ‘The easiest way to start is by collecting all your kitchen scraps in a container with a lid. Once you have started to collect this food waste, you can begin a compost pile on a patch of bare ground and add layers of twigs and straw. You can then alternate adding moist ingredients, such as food scraps or tea bags, with dry ingredients, like leaves or wood ashes. Once you have created a pile, add manure, which provides essential nitrogen to help kickstart the composting process. Cover it with any material, such as plastic sheeting or old bedlinen, that you have on hand to help keep it moist. You can water the heap occasionally and turn it every couple of weeks to help aerate the patch,’ advise gardening experts at The Greenhouse People.
How to make a rotating compost tumbler
Rotating composters offer the quickest way to get compost – with the right conditions it can make rich compost in just three weeks. Rotating composters, also known as compost tumblers, work in a similar way to a tombola spinner with a barrel suspended on a frame. Though it is the most efficient method for making compost, learning how to make a composter on a rotating frame is the hardest DIY method. The frame must be able to support the barrel when it is full of heavy, wet compost. You will also need expert skills and tools in order to create a successful finished project. If you do not want to complete this as a DIY project there are lots of ready made rotating composters that will work just as well.
How often should compost be turned?
You should turn your compost every three to ten days when stored in a compost heap or bin. It is easy to turn your compost, simply use a pitchfork to lift the compost from the bottom to the top and vice versa. If you have a rotating composter, this should be turned every three to four days.
What can I put in my composter?
‘Things you can put in your composter include fruit waste and veg peelings, plant, grass cuttings and even teabags. These are quick to break down, providing moisture, as well as nitrogen, which is important. Other things to include are crushed eggshells, fallen leaves and cardboard egg boxes. Avoid putting certain perennial weeds in there, like dandelions, as well as any meat or dairy products,’ recommends Jack Sutcliffe, Co-Founder of Power Sheds (opens in new tab).
How long does it take for compost to break down?
On average it takes around six months for compost to break down. However, with a rotating composter it can take as a little as three weeks with the right climate (warm weather) and balance of carbon and nitrogen. If you are hoping to become fully self sufficient in your compost then it is worth making several composters. If you have three composters you can have one for your waste; one that is actively composting; and one that it ready to use. You can then rotate these when empty or full to ensure a constant supply.
