Composting in the garden turns your kitchen scraps into valuable fertilizer. Here is how you can create an in-bed compost system on a budget (or free)!
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An organic garden produces its own natural fertilizer to maintain healthy plants and soil, but it occasionally requires some help from you. By composting in the garden, you can create a perpetual system that will keep the worms happy and your plants well-fed! In this post, I will teach you how to set up your own compost bin inside a garden bed, and you can turn your kitchen scraps and dead leaves into valuable fertilizer that will help your garden thrive and produce healthy food for you to enjoy!
This post is all about how to build a composting system in the garden.
How to Build an In-garden Composting System
How to compost in the garden can be tricky, especially if you don’t have much space for one of those fancy compost bins that look like miniature greenhouses.
However, with some proper composting techniques and some help from your compost bin, you can create perfect compost to work into your garden soil without taking up any extra space in your outdoor area!
Read on to learn how to reduce food waste and set up a garden bed compost bin.
What You Will Need to Build a Composting System in the Garden
To start composting, you’ll need at least one compost bin and some organic material. You can create a bin from any old bucket with a tight fitting lid. I recommend a 1 gallon bucket or larger.
You can buy new buckets online or at your local hardware store, but I recommend using what you have on hand. Maybe you can get another use out of an old plastic container.
Also, you will need a drill with a large (1/4in) drill bit, a garden spade, and gloves if you prefer.
Planning Where to Put Your Compost Bin
Before building your compost bin, consider where you will place it.
Although it can be placed anywhere with good drainage, it’s best to put it on soil and not on concrete or gravel, as these areas do not allow for proper decomposition.
You’ll want to make sure that you have enough space and will be using enough material that you won’t run out of room too quickly.
When making your compost bin, you’ll want to consider two main things: airflow and water drainage.
Airflow is important because it allows heat to escape, meaning your compost will be finished faster; on top of that, you don’t want standing water around your bin, which can result in insect infestations and foul odors.
A good rule of thumb is that all sides of your bin should have at least 1 inch of clearance so air can flow freely.
Pick a central location inside the bed. Worms will migrate in and out of the bucket bringing nutrients throughout the soil. So, somewhere in the middle is a great spot to put the compost bucket.
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Setting Up the Garden Composting System
Getting started is pretty simple.
The first thing you will need to do is drill 1/4 holes or larger into the bottom and sides of each compost bucket. You will drill many holes, on the bottom half of the bucket that will be buried.
Also, you will want to drill a few air holes on the top sides of the bucket. I recommend using a bucket with a good fitted lid so that too much water does not get in.
Next, dig a hole for your compost bin. Bury it 1/2 to 3/4 deep, allowing some air holes to be above the soil line for air circulation.
Finally, add your compostable kitchen scraps, grass clippings, fruits, vegetables, and egg shells to the bin. Make sure the lid is on tight to keep it protected from the elements.
Tips for Composting in the Garden
Creating your own compost is one of the easiest ways to recycle organic waste.
Composting can help reduce your impact on landfills and produces some excellent garden nutrients.
If you’re looking for an easy way to start composting, a garden bed may be just what you need.
Garden beds are especially well-suited for compost bins as they have room for aerobic decomposition, which is essential for creating quality compost.
Advice for Successful Composting in the Garden
Composting is a valuable way of getting more use out of your waste and ensuring that it doesn’t wind up in a landfill, but there are rules for composting that must be followed. Here’s an overview of compost do’s and don’ts, so you can be sure your compost gets off on the right foot!
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This post was all about how to start a composting system in your garden for easy and healthy produce!
Learn About Sustainability
Knowing your food and taking responsibility for how it is produced is the best way to make a positive ecological impact.
You are reducing waste and resources while relying less on conventional agriculture and its use of pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate.
Most importantly, you will be eating the healthiest way possible!
Find out how to be more self-sufficient by gardening for sustainability.
Are you on a journey to be more self-sufficient?
Have you checked these essential gardening components off the list, yet? I would love to hear how it is going! Let me know about how gardening for self-sufficiency is working for you and your tribe by commenting below.
