No Nail Compost Bin

We have a backyard and we have the space. Why not build a compost bin? So that is exactly what my husband and I did. There's a lot of garden / yard waste that can end up in a compost bin and eventually become nice rich soil that can be used in gardening projects. :) Grass, dead leaves, small branches, wilted flowers ... cat poo. (because Tiana thinks it's normal for a cat to poo in the middle of the lawn as opposed to the flower beds like all the other cats).

Anyways... So my husband took out his tools and installed a workstation and on we went with the plans. We wanted a bin that doesn't require any nails and is easy to put together and take apart. We also wanted to have an easy way to add to it if we eventually want it a little higher. We chose to use larch wood, because it is resistant to rot, even when in constant contact with the ground. 

Each panel is 115 cm long. We cut gaps in each end of it, as to create an easy lock-in-place system. 

Gaps cut out at each end of each panel

When all the planks were cut out as planned, we gave them a coat of lin oil for extra protection. After 24 hour drying, we were finally able to put the whole together.

Each piece locks this way together, requiring no nail at all

Two opposite panels of the base row are half as wide as the others, so that all 4 sides of the base are sitting on the ground. The top panels have gaps only on their underside. This way, the top is left complete and smooth looking. 

Finished product.

Then we had to agree on where to place our new compost bin. The wild-and-so-far-unused corner of our yard seemed to be the perfect spot. So we cleaned it up and now have a dedicated compost corner. At some point, we'll probably add a second bin, so we can turn the content easier.

Cleaning out the wild corner

The compost corner

Sitting in this corner, the bin is easy access, while being out of the way so we don't need to be looking at it when we relax on the terrace.

Easy access while out of the way

The bin is intended for yard waste only, so it should not really attract rodents or anything. Although, I do have a friend who's compost bin once became a hedgehog home! Awww :)

My husband and I had a lot of fun doing this project together. Hey, we make a great team you know! :)