Have you wanted to start composting, but were overwhelmed by the process of creating a compost bin or the expense of buying one? Well I discovered a quick, easy, and fairly inexpensive way to make a compost bin! You can make a DIY compost bin using straw bales. Added benefit, your building supplies are all natural, so they will never end up in the landfill.
When I visited the Urban Roots Garden Classrooms in Reno, I was struck by the simplicity of their compost system. Each compost bin is made entirely with straw bales. I use an open compost pile, but I really like this method for keeping compost in a designated area.
How to Make a Compost Bin with Bales of Straw
Supplies:
7 – 10 Bales of Straw
Directions:
1. Stack straw bales 2 or 3 bales high on 3 sides forming a U to create the walls of the compost bin.
2. Place one bale in the empty spot at the front of the U to prevent compost from spilling out the front of the compost pile.
3. Start adding grass clippings, garden clippings, vegetable peals from the kitchen, egg shells, leaves, twigs, and pine needles to your compost pile.
Note: Additional compost bins can be made by sharing a “wall” with the other bin, reducing the total number of straw bales needed. Multiple compost piles are a great way to have an active pile that you are using while you are letting another compost pile age.
Bales of straw are usually quite inexpensive in the fall. I usually pick up a couple to insulate my strawberries through the winter. I think I will be adding to my order this year. Check your feed stores for prices. You may even be able to find a great deal on hay bales at pumpkin patches towards the end of October or the day after Halloween.
Cecily Taylor says
I don’t have a comment but a question. I just bought a home this past summer and the previous owner had 3 raised gardens in the back yard. I moved in too late so I couldn’t produce a garden. What I have done is removed or chopped up the old vegetation,and other debris and tilled it up and I discovered that there is very rich black soil in both raised gardens. My question is, can I use the garden as a compost instead of creating a separate compost, and when the spring comes I can till the compost in with the dirt that is already there???? I plan to add more dirt next spring when I prep the soil again. Please advise me on this. I really want to have a garden next spring, summer and fall. Am I headed in the right direction?????
vickie says
I like that it’s so easy!
mjskit says
What a great idea!