How to make a compost bin in a plastic drum?

We have already been talking about how to make compost in a pile, if you have space in your community garden, or how to make your own pallet composter if you like DIY.

This time we are going to see how to make your own   in a 200 litre plastic drum or barrel, for those who have little space or like to have the compost area more delimited in a container type space.

First of all, we have to take into account that the drum will work lying down and we will have to make a little homemade door with hinges that we can close with a little flap.

Steps to convert a drum into a compost bin.

1. Open 3 holes of 6 cm in diameter and place 3 square section tubes of 5 cm wide inside with pins to fix them, these will cross the entire drum lengthwise.
2. Open numerous ventilation holes in both drum bases.

What do we put inside the canister?

• About 7 kg tree leaves, straw and fruit peel (except citrus)
• 2 kg of fresh manure.
• 1 kg rice husk or almond husk
• 10 litres of water with the addition of 100g of urea.

According to the results obtained, adding urea to compost is equivalent to reducing the application of mineral fertilisers by about 25%, improving soil properties and increasing crop productivity.

What do we do with the canister?

• As with compost heaps, the organic material in the bin should be moistened every week.
• It should be placed in the sun for 6 to 7 hours a day.
• It is necessary to roll it to prevent it from being able to follow its natural process.

After 30 days, we will have our homemade compost ready to use.

Bibliography: "A vegetable garden for all". Self-instruction manual. Authors: Alberto Pantoja, Plant Production and Protection Officer Meliza Gonzalez, Consultant

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