Making a Small Compost Bin

• 1). Remove any stickers or labels from the plastic container and lid. Rinse both thoroughly with water. Drill holes along the inside edge of the lid along the perimeter about 1/2 inch wide and about 2 inches apart. Make about eight holes in the center of the lid as well. Drill about five holes in the center of each side of the container and two or three holes into each bottom corner to allow drainage. The holes are essential: They allow air and moisture to circulate and let rainwater in.
  
  
• 2). Add about 5 inches of ripped newspaper to the bottom of the container. Then add a layer of brown organics, filling the container about two-thirds full. Next add a layer of green organics until the container is almost full. You want to achieve a ratio of about two parts brown organics to one part green organics, leaving about 3 inches of room at the top.
  
  
• 3). Place the container outside in a place where it won't be disturbed. If you're placing it on a patio or deck, you may want to place it on a plastic tray (or an extra lid) so any drainage doesn't damage the area. Add water to the container. The material should be damp, but not soaking. Cover with the prepared lid.
  
  
• 4). Turn the compost over in about two weeks. This will aid the decomposition. Move any dry material from the sides of the container toward the center, breaking up any clumps. Moisten, but don't over water, if the material begins to dry. (You know you've added too much water if you can squeeze it out of a handful of the material. If you do have too much water, add more brown organics to help dry things out.) After the initial turn, turn the compost every week without fail. This lets air into the compost, which the bacteria that break down the compost need to survive. Don't worry if any worms enter your container. They're a welcome bonus. After six to eight months, you'll have compost ready for your garden or landscape.
  
  
• 5). Use about one part compost to three parts potting soil or topsoil when adding compost to your gardens and landscape. As you take out compost, add more organics, keeping a 2-to-1 ratio of brown organics to green.