How to Build and Use a Garbage Can Composter
Introduction
Do you want to be greener, healthier, and wiser? Composting is a great way to do all three! Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, like kitchen scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It’s a great way to reduce waste, improve your soil health, and grow healthier plants.
One of the easiest ways to compost is to use a garbage can composter. Garbage can composters are inexpensive, easy to build, and can be used in both the summer and winter.
Materials
To build a garbage can composter, you will need:
- A plastic or metal garbage can with a locking lid
- A drill
- A hole saw bit for metal doors (1/2 inch)
- Three or four cinder blocks
Instructions
- Drill holes around the bottom, sides, and lid of the garbage can. The holes should be about 1/2 inch in diameter and spaced about 6 inches apart.
- Place the garbage can on a level surface and fill it with a layer of soil.
- Add your kitchen scraps and other compostable materials to the garbage can.
- Cover the compostable materials with another layer of soil.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the garbage can is full.
- Place the lid on the garbage can and secure it.
- Place the garbage can composter in a sunny location.
- Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it.
- After 4 to 8 weeks, your compost will be ready to use.
Benefits of Using a Garbage Can Composter
There are many benefits to using a garbage can composter, including:
- It’s inexpensive and easy to build.
- It can be used in both the summer and winter.
- It helps to reduce waste.
- It improves soil health.
- It helps plants grow.
- It can be used to make fertilizer.
- It’s a great way to get kids involved in gardening.
Tips for Using a Garbage Can Composter
Here are a few tips for using a garbage can composter:
- Add a variety of organic materials to your compost pile, including kitchen scraps, yard waste, and paper products.
- Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it.
- Keep the compost pile moist but not soggy.
- Don’t add meat, dairy, or pet waste to your compost pile.
- If your compost pile starts to smell bad, add more brown materials, such as shredded leaves or straw.
Conclusion
Composting is a great way to reduce waste, improve your soil health, and grow healthier plants. A garbage can composter is an easy and inexpensive way to get started with composting. With a little effort, you can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will help your garden thrive.
