Constructing A Compost Bin: Chicken Wire Wonder

Making your own compost bin is a great way to get your garden ready for spring. It is an easy DIY project that nearly anyone can accomplish in just a couple of hours. You can use chicken wire, a wooden stake, and some zip ties to build a compost bin. Chicken wire is great for ventilation, and the hexagonal openings in the wire allow airflow, helping the compost decompose faster. You can also use metal or wood posts to provide support to the chicken wire.

Chicken wire, stakes and zip ties

Building a compost bin using chicken wire is a great way to get your garden ready for spring. It is a simple, cheap, and rewarding project that can be completed in a couple of hours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a compost bin using chicken wire, stakes, and zip ties:

Materials and Preparation:

First, gather your materials. You will need chicken wire, wooden or metal stakes, and zip ties. You can purchase these from your local hardware store. Chicken wire typically comes in various sizes, and for your compost bin, you will need a roll that is long enough to form a cylinder. A taller and more cylindrical bin will help keep animals and pests out. We recommend using galvanized chicken wire that is at least 3 feet (36 inches) tall and 10 feet long.

Forming the Cylinder:

Start by cutting the chicken wire to the desired length. Fold back about 3-4 inches of wire at each end to create a strong, clean edge that won't poke or snag. Now, roll the chicken wire to form a cylinder. You can use stakes or bamboo canes to help hold the cylinder shape. Place the stakes at each end of the wire and hold them upright, bringing them together. This will naturally form a circular or slightly heart-shaped cage.

Securing the Bin:

Once you have formed the cylinder, it's time to secure it in place. Push one stake firmly into the ground, and then push the other stake into the ground next to it. You may need to use a hammer to get the stakes deeper into the ground. If you want to add more stability, you can weave in extra bamboo canes or stakes around the bin.

Attaching the Zip Ties:

Now, it's time to attach the zip ties. Use the zip ties to secure the chicken wire to the stakes. You can use one zip tie for the top, one for the middle, and one for the bottom to ensure the bin is securely attached to the stakes.

Final Steps:

Your compost bin is now ready for use! Place it in a corner of your yard, and start adding your compost materials. Remember to turn your compost occasionally to boost decomposition. You can access the compost by pulling out one of the stakes to open up the wire cage or by reaching over the sides.

Building a compost bin using chicken wire, stakes, and zip ties is a straightforward and inexpensive project that will benefit your garden and the environment.

Roll and secure the wire

Now that you have your materials, it's time to start building your compost bin.

First, you will need to roll out your chicken wire. The amount of wire you will need depends on the size of your bin. For a 10-foot compost bin, you will need 10 feet of chicken wire. You can opt for galvanized chicken wire, which will last longer. Chicken wire usually comes in rolls of 36 inches or 48 inches in height, and you can purchase it at your local hardware store.

Next, you will need to secure the ends of the chicken wire together to form a cylinder. You can do this by using wire ties and pliers. Fold back 3–4 inches of wire at each end of the cut piece to create a strong, clean edge that will not poke or snag. You can also use zip ties to secure the wire to a garden stake or U-post that is firmly planted in the ground. Use three zip ties, one for the top, middle, and bottom.

Now that your chicken wire is rolled and secured, you can move on to the next steps of building your compost bin.

Anchor the bin to the ground

Anchoring your compost bin to the ground is a crucial step in ensuring its stability and longevity. Here are the detailed instructions for this process:

Firstly, decide on the location of your compost bin. Choose an area that is not too rocky, as this will make it easier to anchor the bin securely. If you are using wooden stakes, it is recommended to place the bin in a far corner of your yard, away from your house, to minimise the attraction of mice or other small pests.

Once you have identified a suitable location, gather your materials. You will need your chicken wire cylinder, wooden stakes or metal posts, a hammer, and zip ties or wire ties. The number of stakes or posts will depend on the size of your bin, but for added stability, it is recommended to have at least two for each end of the cylinder.

Now, position your first stake or post. Hold it tightly against the inside of the chicken wire cylinder and use the hammer to drive it firmly into the ground. Repeat this process for the remaining stakes or posts, ensuring they are securely anchored in the ground.

Finally, use zip ties or wire ties to secure the chicken wire to the stakes or posts. Attach the ties at the top, middle, and bottom of the cylinder, connecting the wire to the stakes or posts. This will ensure that your compost bin is firmly anchored to the ground and will help maintain its shape.

By following these steps, you will have a sturdy and stable compost bin that is ready to be filled with organic materials. Remember to periodically turn your compost to aid in the decomposition process and to generate airflow.

Avoid pests with the right size

Rats and mice can squeeze through small gaps and even gnaw through chicken wire, so it's important to build your compost bin with pest prevention in mind. The size of the bin and the openings in the chicken wire can play a role in keeping pests out.

Firstly, consider the size of your compost bin. A taller, more cylindrical bin will be more effective at keeping pests out. The height will make it more challenging for pests to climb, and a narrower shape will leave less room for pests to manoeuvre. Choose a roll of chicken wire that is 36 inches or 48 inches in height, and form it into a cylinder. The hexagonal openings in the chicken wire will allow for airflow, which is necessary for healthy decomposition.

Secure the ends of the chicken wire cylinder to a garden stake or u-post that is firmly planted into the ground with zip ties. Use stakes to anchor the compost bin into the ground for added stability. Place the bin in a far corner of your yard, away from your house, as pests are less likely to be attracted to it if it is farther away.

To further prevent pests from entering, you can reduce the size of the gaps in the chicken wire. Rats can fit through very small spaces, so consider using a finer mesh or hardware cloth to cover any openings. Overlapping two pieces of chicken wire can also make the gaps smaller and more difficult for pests to navigate.

Additionally, avoid adding certain materials to your compost bin that may attract pests. Do not include eggshells, as the egg yolk can attract pests. Chicken manure is suitable for composting, but never use household pet faeces. Coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable waste, and green waste are ideal scraps to include, and be sure to always cover them with wet leaves to keep the bin moist and less appealing to pests.

Collect materials for compost

To build a compost bin out of chicken wire, you will need to collect the following materials:

• Chicken wire: Look for galvanized chicken wire, which will last longer than ungalvanized wire. You can purchase a 10-foot length of 36-inch-tall, 1-inch galvanized chicken wire. Alternatively, you can find a chicken wire mesh roll that is 25 feet long by three feet wide at your local hardware store.
• Wooden stakes or posts: These will provide support for your chicken wire compost bin. You can use wooden stakes or metal posts, which you can purchase from your local hardware store. The number of stakes or posts you need will depend on the size of your bin. For a larger bin, you may need seven pieces of lumber, each 3 feet long.
• Zip ties or wire: You will need something to secure the ends of the chicken wire together and to attach the stakes or posts to the wire. You can use zip ties or cut heavy wire into lengths for ties.
• Tools: Depending on the type of stakes or posts you use, you may need a hammer to drive them into the ground. You will also need pliers to bend the wire when forming ties.
• Worms: If you plan to use worms in your compost bin, you can order red worms, which are suitable for composting.
• Compost materials: Once your bin is set up, you can start collecting compost materials. Ideal scraps for your bin include coffee grounds and fruit or vegetable waste. Chopping up the waste before tossing it in will help it decompose faster. Avoid adding eggshells, as the egg yolk can attract vermin, and whole bulbs like onions or garlic, as they can start growing into new plants.

Frequently asked questions