Video:How to Create a Trash Can Composter
with Angela DawnA trash can compost is a great way to garden organically, and it's a simple DIY project. In this how-to video from About.com, learn how to make and tend a trash can compost at home.See Transcript
Transcript:How to Create a Trash Can Composter
Hi, this is Angela Dawn with About.com coming to you from Moon Lake Trading Company in Mentone, Alabama and today I am going to show you how to make a trash can compositor.
Items You Need to Make a Trash Can Compost
To make a trash can compost, you will need a 40 gallon or larger trash bin with a lid, two cinder-blocks or pieces of wood, some green, meaning leftover vegetables and fruit, and some brown, which is leaves or straw. You can also purchase some garden soil, but it is optional.
How to Make a Trash Can Compost
To prepare your bin, you will need to drill small 3 quarter inch to half inch holes all around it, on the bottom, and the lid, so air can circulate in and out of the bin. Place two center-blocks under the bin or pieces of wood to lift it up so that the air can circulate from the bottom as well.
What to Add to Your Trash Can Compost
After your bin is ready add a shovel of garden soil. The microorganisms in the soil helps to break down your compost, and speed up the process. Next, add in a brown to green ratio of 4:1. So, add two parts brown, 1 part green, and then another two parts brown. There are different brown to green ratios, and you can experiment and find out which works best for you. Just remember, when you are doing such a small compost, adding too much green can make it too wet. You want to try and keep your compost moist though.
Turning Your Compost
Every two weeks you will need to turn your compost. First, secure your lid. You can use a draw string if your lid does not have a lock or maybe a bungee cord.
Set your bin on its side and roll it back and forth. In about 4-12 weeks, your compost will be completed.
Extra Tips About Trash Can Composting
Some helpful pointers:
Do not ever put any meat or dairy in the compost, this will cause it to stink and could create harmful bacteria. If your compost is too dry you can add a little water. You can turn your bin as often as you like. And you may also want to add a few earthworms.
Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.