How to Build a Compost Bin

If you love to garden, nothing feeds your plants better than compost from your very own backyard, and its price (free!) is impossible to beat. But the pile itself isn’t exactly an eye-catching feature. Though you can buy a compost bin made from budget-friendly plastic or even chicken wire, a wood bin, typically made of rot-resistant cedar, will conceal those yard clippings and kitchen leftovers without sticking out like a sore thumb on your landscape. The gaps between the wood slats let air circulate around the pile to keep odors at bay and ensure that wastes are breaking down; removable slats, front panels, or doors make it easy to turn the pile and remove compost when it’s ready to spread. Follow these directions to make a rustic little structure that will help you keep your yard thriving year-round.

Or buy a compost bin for easy install.

Shown: Compost bin: ECO Composter by Exaco, $130; europeangarden.com. Compost pail: Copper-finish compost pail, $35; gardeners.com

• Print This Project
• Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Helpful Info

Gallery: How to Compost: 7 Essential Steps

Article: Smarter, Faster, Thriftier Composting

Article: Compost Haste

Ask This Old House: Compost for Lawns

Gallery: Tool Test: Cordless Circular Saws

Need More Info? Ask a question on Green