Making Your Own Compost Machine: A Quick and Easy 6-Step Guide

Composting is an excellent way to turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. And while there are many different ways to compost, building your own compost machine is a great option if you're looking for a simple and affordable way to get started.

Materials You'll Need:

• 3-5 pallets
• Wood screws
• Drill
• Hammer
• Nails
• Wire mesh
• Staple gun
• Rake or shovel
• Compost mix (equal parts brown materials and green materials)

Step 1: Build the Frame

Start by assembling the frame of your compost machine. You can use any type of wood, but pallets are a good option because they're sturdy and inexpensive. Simply screw or nail the pallets together to form a square or rectangular shape.

Step 2: Add the Wire Mesh

Next, cut a piece of wire mesh to fit the inside of the frame. This will help to keep the compost in place and prevent pests from getting in. Staple the wire mesh to the inside of the frame.

Step 3: Create an Access Door

Cut a hole in one of the sides of the frame for an access door. This will allow you to add compost materials and turn the compost regularly. You can use a piece of wood or plastic to create a door that can be hinged or simply lifted off.

Step 4: Fill the Compost Machine

Fill the compost machine with a mixture of brown materials (such as dry leaves, straw, or wood chips) and green materials (such as kitchen scraps, grass clippings, or manure). The ideal ratio is about 2 parts brown materials to 1 part green materials.

Step 5: Turn the Compost Regularly

Once you've filled the compost machine, turn the compost regularly to aerate it. This will help the composting process to happen faster. You can use a rake or shovel to turn the compost.

Step 6: Harvest the Compost

In about 2-3 months, your compost should be finished. It will be dark brown in color and have a crumbly texture. You can use the compost to amend your soil or in your garden.