The location of the compost pit on the site. DIY compost pit: manufacturing and design options. Criteria for choosing a ready-made composter for a summer residence

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If the soil is poor, then a container is built to create humus, which is an important part of any garden plot. The use of top dressing in the form of compost allows you to grow environmentally friendly plants and vegetables. Recommendations from experienced gardeners will help you understand how a do-it-yourself compost pit is created, the manufacturing options, photos and installation features of which can be considered in detail below.

Containers can contain multiple compartments for increased productivity

A compost pit can be easily created with your own hands. In this case, the manufacturing options can be seen in the photo. Simple products can be made from pallets, which are taken after the sale of building materials and purchased for a small amount.

It is important to choose the right location. It should be remote from housing. This should be a well-ventilated area. This will prevent bad odors from developing. Containers made from scrap materials are highly available. The finished design allows you to dispose of weeds from the site.

Useful information! The vegetation is compacted over time and, under the influence of bacteria and moisture, is converted into an excellent organic fertilizer. Ideal for cultivating a variety of crops in a vegetable garden or garden.

What is the purpose of the pit?

An excellent method of disposing of various garbage is a do-it-yourself compost pit. Manufacturing options, photos and drawings can be found in sufficient quantities on the Internet. This facility allows you to get high-quality fertilizers in the shortest possible time. This involves cutting grass, leaves and manure.

How to make a compost pit with your own hands: video and installation requirements

Many gardeners and summer residents are interested in the question: how to make compost pits correctly. The tanks are constructed in three parts. In this case, 8 columns are installed, which are treated with a protective solution. This can be fuel oil, engine oil and tar.

An important point is the installation of ventilation holes. Also, the container must be closed during precipitation with a special lid. For this, ordinary plastic wrap can be used.

You can make a product from pallets. To do this, you need to disassemble them. With the help of the boards, they are divided into separate blanks. All boards are fastened vertically. In this case, the front board is fixed with an adhesive solution.

To keep the pallet product stable, you need to trim the planks at the bottom using a level.The Finnish technology compost pit differs from standard pits. It has several distinctive features. Filling must start from the first compartment. When removing humus, the container is filled from an adjacent compartment.

All recyclable material must be stirred periodically. Also, the container should maintain an optimal level of humidity.

Installation of such a structure consists of the following steps:

wood planks are treated with a special compound;

the side walls are being assembled;
the walls are sheathed with boards, two walls are made with gaps and two of tightly standing boards;

boards for the back side are attached;

the bottom is made;
the cover is mounted;

lower doors are installed.

Useful information! The wood from which the pit is made must be impregnated with a special solution. This will prevent damage from moisture, harmful insects and decay processes.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options, photos and nuances

There are many ways to make compost pits in the country. It is worth choosing a type of structure that meets the requirements of a particular area.

The most famous methods are used:

construction of a pit in a specific place. The pit should be like a well, but shallower. In this case, the walls of the pit are additionally strengthened and sheathed, but only at a height of 20-25 cm from the bottom, so that microorganisms can easily penetrate inside;

the container is mounted in the garden area. This allows the compost mixture to be removed at any time. The pit is based on formwork. In this case, a plastic tank or a box of boards is used; It is important to install ventilation holes;

The easiest way is to create a compost heap. This creates a substrate of sand, dried grass and gravel. Waste is laid on top, which must be reflowed.

There are many options for creating such a structure. They differ not only in materials, but also in the properties of the reservoir and dimensions.

Useful information! Before placing plant materials in the structure, you need to carefully loosen the bottom and install a ventilation hole. After rains, the pit can be covered with polyethylene to speed up the work of microorganisms.

How is a slate compost pit made in a summer cottage?

The advice of the masters will help you decide how to make a compost pit in the country from slate in order to get a reliable and durable structure.

Slate canvases will be an excellent base for the walls of the box. The design is carried out in several stages:

suitable dimensions are determined;

after choosing a site for the location of the structure, you need to make a small depression;
supports made of pipes or boards are mounted in all corners;

a pit is mounted with the help of slate sheets;
a partition is installed in the box, which divides the space into two parts.

How to make a compost pit correctly - sooner or later every owner of a suburban area faces this question. In this article, you will learn how to properly equip a place for obtaining natural fertilizers.

Compost is an effective tool for increasing soil fertility. Even novice gardeners know this. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows how to equip a compost pit. There are many nuances in this matter. And only a competent approach will make it possible to "kill two birds with one stone" - to dispose of household waste and lay the foundations for a rich harvest.

Choosing a suitable place

If you are puzzling over the question of how to properly make a compost pit, then the first thing you should take care of is choosing the right place.

As a rule, the compost heap is settled behind outbuildings, in the backyard of the site. Do not stir the pit too close to a drinking water source. The optimal distance to it is 25 meters. The place should be shaded as direct sunlight inhibits processing. It is important to take into account the direction of the wind, the neighbors are unlikely to be delighted with the smell exuded by future fertilizer.

Consider ease of access as well. Many people forget about it, and then they suffer with the laying of garbage and sampling of humus. It is good if the surface of the earth is flat - stagnant water reduces the flow of oxygen, which will significantly extend the time of "preparation" of the most valuable additive.

Have you chosen a place for your composter? Fine! Clear the soil from the turf and loosen it to a depth of 30 cm. This will create favorable conditions for the life of worms and other beneficial microorganisms that take an active part in processing.

About dimensions and design features

So, we figured out the place for the composter. And then a new question is brewing, what size should the compost pit be? The size is determined on a two-cycle basis. That is, the first half of the pit should be occupied by waste that has accumulated over 2 years, the second half - "young" compost (not older than 2 years).

It is important to understand that the larger the compost pit, the faster it heats up to the desired temperature (up to 60 degrees). If the pit is small, then, of course, it will also heat up, but it is unlikely to reach the temperature indicators at which all pathogenic flora and weeds die. Experts recommend laying a compost heap with the following dimensions: height - at least 1.2 m, width - 1.5 m, length - 2 m.

Be sure to provide a removable cover for the composter. Do not cover the bottom with plastic, rubber, metal sheets or slate. They will prevent moisture from passing upwards, which means that the compost will be dry. The best floor for a compost pit is an earthen one.

Manufacturing options

Compost heaps can be of several types. Consider the options for arrangement, and you will choose the most convenient for you.

Ordinary pit

The "composter for the lazy" is an ordinary shallow pit. First, place tree bark, hay, or twigs on the bottom. Further - plant and food residues. Cover with black plastic wrap. Cover with grass after each discharge of new waste. To be honest, this option cannot be called successful - the contents of the pit will not warm up enough, and you will have to spend a lot of energy on mixing. Better to try and build something more efficient.

Wooden two-section composter

A wooden box submerged in the ground is the most common option. Dig a hole about 50-80 cm deep, 1.5-2 meters wide and 2-3 meters long. Dig in the support beams in the corners, stepping back 20 cm from the edges of the hole.Pipe sections will do a good job with this task. Pre-treat them with a bio-protective compound.

Assemble the three sides of the box from the boards, providing ventilation holes. Install and align if necessary. Divide the composter in two with a wooden board. The first compartment is for the "old" compost, the second is for the "young". Screw on the front panel.

Line the bottom with straw or bark. This will protect against the accumulation of excess fluid and ensure normal air exchange. The lid can be made from a sheet of plywood fixed to the back wall with hinges. First treat the wooden parts with moisture and insect repellent impregnation, and then coat with acrylic paint in two layers.

It is possible to divide the compost pit into not two, but three sections. The first compartment is for ready-made compost, the second is for maturing, the third is for laying new waste.

Most often the composter is made of wood, but if desired, you can use slate, metal sheets or bricks.

Composter with one section

If you find a two- or three-section composter uncomfortable, you can make a pit with one section. Install the wooden box so that there is 30 cm between the ground and the edges. The ripe compost will be removed from this hole. New raw materials are laid from above, that is, there is no need to loosen the fertilizer. In principle, it is very convenient.

Concrete pit

Those who want to make a compost pit once and no longer worry about it should be advised a concrete "reservoir". Mark the area (approximately 2x3 meters) and dig a shallow trench (70-80 cm). Build a formwork 10-12 cm thick around the perimeter of the future composter. Prepare concrete and pour it into the formwork. After the final solidification, the formwork is disassembled. Place waste in the pit and cover with plastic sheeting, metal mesh, or wooden shields. That's all.

Plastic containers

A modern interpretation of a traditional pit that needs some work. The plastic is air-tight, so you'll have to do the ventilation holes yourself. This can be problematic to do. It is better to buy a ready-made plastic composter equipped with a lid, ventilation ducts and lower doors for displaying fertilizers. The volume may vary. On average - from 400 to 1000 liters. The cost varies from 2 to 10 thousand rubles.

When the work on arranging the compost pit is finished, you should think about how to use it correctly. After all, it directly depends on how quickly you get humus and how nutritious it will be.

from time to time "comb" the contents of the pit with a pitchfork. This will provide oxygen access and accelerate the decay process;
do not forget to water the compost heap - dry waste does not decompose;
to speed up the process of "cooking" will help the film that covers the pit;
sometimes put worms in the box and add drugs that activate decomposition (Compostin, Kompostar, Baikal EM-1, etc.);
lay raw materials in layers. Alternate plant residues with food waste, wet - with dry;
will accelerate the decomposition of cow dung, as well as some plants (dandelion, chamomile, valerian, yarrow);
do not tamp the layers tightly, make sure that the contents are not too wet, too loose or, conversely, dry;
there should be 5 times more dry material in the compost heap than wet material.

And finally, about what you can put in the composter and what you can't. This, by the way, is the defining moment for obtaining a good fertilizer. Plant residues are thrown into the compost pit - cut grass, straw, tree bark, leaves, branches, wood ash. Food waste is also useful - tea leaves, peels of fruits and vegetables, eggshells, leftovers from cereals and soups. Black and white newspapers, napkins, cardboard, old wool or cotton will do.

To enrich the contents of the pit with nitrogen from time to time, you need to add manure, bird droppings, bone meal, legumes and pea stalks to it. Don't forget about superphosphates, dolomite flour and complex mineral fertilizers.

Do not add animal excrement, fats, bones, spoiled products, tomato and potato tops, weed seeds, plants treated with herbicides, inorganic waste (rubber, plastic, glass, synthetics).

Video: Arrangement of a modern compost pit on a personal plot

Not everyone is attracted by the idea of self-preparation of fertilizers at their summer cottage. The main reason is a misunderstanding of the role of compost. Some people are also confused by the smells that accompany the process of "ripening" of the mass. This article will acquaint you with the rules for the production of one of the best organic fertilizers and with the existing technologies for building a bunker, as well as with what needs to be done to eliminate the manifestations of unpleasant "side effects".

The problem of waste disposal is partially solved.
Compost not only feeds the soil, but also, unlike many other means (preparations), retains moisture in it.
There is no need to allocate a segment for storing imported manure, which is one of the most used fertilizers in summer cottages. The pit does not require much space.
Unlike the same manure, compost eliminates the risk of soil contamination (for example, potato scab), and there are no insect pests larvae in it.
Minimum financial costs for the preparation of an effective organic fertilizer.

Calculation of the required amount of compost

Fertilizer is prepared at the dacha in such a volume to meet the needs for fertilizing the soil exactly on its site. Therefore, no matter how good the compost is, nobody needs the surplus. Inexperienced gardeners mistakenly believe that the more fertilizer is applied to the soil, the higher the crop yield will be. At the same time, such an aspect as the balance of the ecosystem is forgotten, which also implies the optimal combination of various chemical elements in the earth.

What the violation of this rule leads to is a separate topic. Suffice it to point out that in some cases, with an excess of some fertilizers, the plant develops intensively, but in "green", and its fruits do not reach optimal sizes.

It makes no sense to give formulas and examples of calculations. The sizes of most summer cottages are within the limits of only 5 - 7 acres, no more. If we take away the sectors occupied by various outbuildings (house, shed), paths and engineering structures (septic tank, swimming pool), then the usable area is even less. As a rule, in the range of 3.5 - 4.5. For feeding such a summer cottage area, a compost pit of 1.5 - 2 "squares" is quite enough (at a depth of about one and a half meters).

The word "depth" should not be literally deciphered. It is desirable for the compost pit to rise above the ground. Therefore, it is more correct to talk about the height of the structure. Deepening will only complicate the work, since you will have to think about high-quality waterproofing of the entire "bottom". Moreover, if the groundwater comes close enough to the surface.

Seat selection

Option number 3

A full-fledged pit is being set up, the bottom and walls of which are filled with concrete. It is not difficult to make the formwork. The only plus is that such a compost pit is not conspicuous, as it is in the ground. The disadvantages are noted in relation to the brick structure.

And these options are not the only ones. For a competent arrangement of a compost pit, it is necessary to correctly determine its dimensions and ensure the strength of the bunker walls. And what to build them from is a private matter of the owner of the dacha. For example, dig in metal pipes (in the corners) and cover them with a fine mesh. The only difficulty is in creating the greenhouse effect. We'll have to tightly cover the entire bunker - not only from above, but also from the sides.

What can be used as raw material for compost

Naturally, organic matter is obligatory. But there is so much of it in any dacha that there will be no problems with finding raw materials for compost.

Everything that belongs to the concept of "wood and its waste" - sawdust, small shavings, needles, chopped bark, leaves and branches. Dried grass and straw can also be added here.
Fruits - cereals, fruits, berries. Naturally, it is necessary to reject those that have traces of lesions (worm, scab, and so on).
Coffee grounds (leftovers), old tea leaves. When they accumulate, they are not thrown away, but sent to the compost pit.
Shredded fractions of paper products - cardboard, napkins, newspapers and so on.
Pieces of fabrics, but only natural ones - linen, cotton, silk, wool.
Wood ash.
Manure. But definitely last year, not fresh!

What not to load into the compost pit

Tops (tomato, potato).
Carcasses of dead rodents, domestic animals, birds.
Coal ash.
Glass, porcelain.
Bones.
Weed roots.
Pets (cats, dogs) excrement.

To obtain high-quality compost, experienced summer residents recommend putting earthworms into the bunker. Well, finding them, especially if there is some kind of farm near the dacha, will not be a problem. As an option - dig up in a nearby landing. You won't need much - in good conditions they multiply intensively. By the way, summer residents-fishermen do just that. For them, the problem of finding worms does not exist.

Whichever option you choose, you need to know that the finished compost is always located at the bottom of the bin. How to get it? You will need a "window" (door). Consequently, a concrete bin is not an entirely acceptable solution, and the compost is prepared in it immediately, in full. The rest of the options involve the systematic unloading of a certain amount. This means that it is possible to organize a cyclical process of its preparation, which is much more convenient, since we are talking about a summer residence, and not massive agricultural land.

The author believes that there are a lot of recommendations on how to make a compost pit. There is nothing complicated about it. But simply installing the hopper is not the solution to the fertilization problem. He needs some care. But this is a somewhat different topic.

Good luck with your compost pit construction, dear reader! And do not be afraid to "invent", as there is no rigid standard for such a structure.

The better the quality of the soil, the richer the crop grown on this land will be. But it so happens that the initial data is not very good, and you have to fertilize the soil. For this, you can use various fertilizers, but it is best to make a compost pit, which will become a source of environmentally friendly material. Consider how a compost pit should be made with your own hands: manufacturing options and materials suitable for this purpose.

In order to understand how to properly make a compost pit, you first need to figure out what it is used for. Typically, a compost pit is used to dispose of organic waste, which, as a result of the decay process, turns into organic fertilizer. There are many design options and each owner can only choose the most suitable option for himself.

The compost heap does an excellent job with the disposal of mowed grass and fallen leaves. Under the influence of time, moisture and microorganisms, it all turns into a fertilizer that can be used to grow all types of crops, both in gardens and in the vegetable garden.

Making a compost pile of organic fertilizers with your own hands is not difficult at all, especially since there are many ideas for independent implementation that can be used as a basis. You can make your own compost pit using pallets, which are usually used for transporting and storing building materials. They can be bought at a fairly low price, or it is quite possible, simply to find them on your own site.

How to make a compost pit in the country: choosing a location

When talking about arranging a compost heap, one cannot but mention the importance of its correct location. First of all, the structure must be sufficiently removed from residential buildings. In addition, the place of its installation should be well blown by the wind in order to avoid stagnant air and the concentration of unpleasant odors emanating from it. In addition, access to the compost must be provided so that the process of adding raw materials or removing finished fertilizers is as comfortable as possible.

Helpful advice! In order for the decay process to proceed faster, it is recommended to periodically stir the layers inside the heap. Therefore, even at the stage of planning and arrangement, it is worth considering how this can be done.

In addition, the following selection criteria must be considered for the selection of a site suitable for the compost pit:

the selected location should be located at a sufficiently large distance from any source of drinking water, for example, a well or a well. The distance between these objects must be at least 25 m;
if the site is not evenly located, but under a slope, then a compost pit should be made below the water level (preferably at the lowest point of the site). This will prevent the ingress of decay effluents and clean water;
in advance, it is worth asking about the most frequent direction of the wind, since the pit often becomes a source of a rather strong and unpleasant odor, and can cause discomfort to both you and your neighbors;
it is worth taking care that there is not only a free approach to the pit, but also enough space to be able to bring in waste or remove the finished compost with a wheelbarrow.

Helpful advice! It is advisable to choose a shaded place for the compost pit, since the sun's rays negatively affect the decay process, significantly slowing down the composting process.

What you can and cannot put in the compost pit

In order for the fertilizer obtained as a result of rotting to be of high quality and bring benefits to the plants, not harm, each summer resident needs to familiarize himself with the list of those products that may or may not be added to compost in advance. So, great for composting:

grass, weeds, leaves, hay, straw, etc .;
berries, fruits and any cleaning from them (raw);
waste from wood products that have not been dyed;
shredded paper products (napkins, bags, cardboard);
waste from making tea, coffee or cereals;
branches and roots of trees after chopping;
needles;
herbivore manure (only two years old);
wood ash.

Important! The percentage of cleanings from products such as potatoes and tomatoes in the compost should not exceed 15-20%.

any plants that have been affected by pests;
plants affected by diseases such as powdery mildew, late blight, etc.;
pet excrement, as it can be contaminated with helminth eggs;
bones and leftovers from meat products. They will provoke an extremely unpleasant odor, and will also become food for rats;
inorganic waste - plastic, rubber, synthetic fabrics and metal;
plants that have been treated with herbicides;
the remains of cabbage, the rotting of which provokes an extremely strong and unpleasant odor.

As for composting weeds, experts recommend putting them in a separate heap, which is covered with a film on top. So, the risk that the plants will take root again is excluded and you can count on their death with one hundred percent probability.

If you add weeds to a common heap, then you often have to deal with the fact that perennial plants take root, especially if, as a result of regular watering or rains, the humidity is high enough.

Important! To accelerate the process of decay of waste, it is recommended to preliminarily subject them to shredding. This is especially true for items such as branches, roots and paper products.

Having figured out what you can put in the compost pit, and what you can't, you just have to familiarize yourself with the rules for caring for waste in order to ensure that they decompose as efficiently as possible. Moreover, the duration of the period during which the compost will be formed directly depends on the correctness of the care carried out:

moisture is the most important indicator that affects waste decay and compost formation. In order to maintain the desired level, it is recommended to periodically water the heap from a watering can. At the same time, it is important that in the end it turns out wet, but not wet, since an abundance of water will negatively affect the viability and activity of bacteria;
once a month, you need to thoroughly stir the pile, thus ensuring oxygen access. This allows the waste to burn out rather than rot. At the same time, if there is no opportunity to completely dig everything up, you can use the pitchfork and pierce the bunch in as many places as possible;
to accelerate the maturation process of compost requires the addition of nitrogen, which is found in large quantities in green parts of plants, as well as in slurry.

The formation of high-quality compost usually takes 1-1.5 years. During this time, almost any waste and residues will fully decompose. The readiness of the compost can be recognized visually and by smell. The finished mixture is a crumbly brown mass and has the smell of forest earth.

Compost pit: what it is and what it is for

The issue of using compost is one of the most popular. Indeed, not every summer resident knows how and why to use the resulting mixture, and how great is its benefit. In fact, it is possible to fertilize the soil with compost for almost any plant. Cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and pumpkin respond best to such feeding. The result can be seen already in the coming harvest season - the fruits grow large, have a bright and rich color, taste and aroma are well expressed.

But there are also plants for which compost is not so useful. For example, root vegetables, tomatoes, melons and watermelons should not be fertilized abundantly in this way, since this leads to the fact that the yield decreases, and the amount of green mass, on the contrary, increases.

Strawberry reacts well to compost, especially if you first cut it "at the root" and overlay it with a semi-decomposed composition. Then all this needs to be watered, and all that remains is to wait for new fresh foliage, as well as a bountiful harvest next season.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options and design requirements

In order to properly build a compost pit, you need to understand how the compost heap should be arranged. There are many DIY options, but first of all, you should pay attention to the fact that it should consist of three parts. In this case, it is necessary to install 8 support posts, each of which must be treated with a protective agent.

Helpful advice! Machine oil, fuel oil or even tar can be used as a protective composition for the posts.

As a fence on one of the sides, you can use a fence canvas, and for the rest, boards are better suited. Partitions are constructed from them, in which holes for ventilation are necessarily left. This contributes to the course of the decay process. Also, a door must be installed that allows access to the compost.

Making a compost pit in the country with your own hands involves ensuring the proper level of ventilation and at the same time protecting the contents from precipitation. So that the compost heap does not turn into a swamp, it must be covered with a special cover of a suitable size during precipitation. And if the weather conditions are not too harsh, then it is quite acceptable to use plastic wrap for this purpose.

Another option is to use building pallets that are disassembled beforehand. Using a circular machine, the boards can be divided into individual elements, and then assembled from them into a suitable structure. In this case, it is better to fasten the boards vertically. The front board can be fixed with adhesive. To give such a structure stability, it is necessary to use the building level and trim the lower planks.

It is also important that the height of the walls of a homemade composter is such that it is convenient for a person of any height to add, stir up and remove compost.

Interesting! You can pay attention to the construction of compost pits made using Finnish technology. In this case, some design features are of interest, for example, when you extract humus from one compartment, it is automatically filled with raw materials from the adjacent one.

DIY compost pit: manufacturing options, photo examples

The type of compost pit is determined based on several factors. One of them is the installation method. Consider all the existing options:

allocation of a certain place for organizing a compost pit. In this case, a foundation pit is initially prepared, which is very similar to a well, but at the same time has a shallower depth. The walls of the pit are additionally strengthened to prevent soil shattering and are sheathed with an indent of 20-25 cm from the bottom. This distance is necessary in order to provide the microorganism with free access to waste;
another option is to install a special container in the garden area for collecting waste and processing it into compost. This method allows you to get the finished product at any time. This design is based on a pit with a formwork, as well as a special box made of boards. When implementing this option, it is extremely important to pay due attention to the organization of ventilation;
a compost pile with your own hands is the easiest way to solve the problem. To do this, it is enough to make a substrate consisting of sand, gravel and dry grass. Waste is simply stacked on top, which over time will themselves begin to rot.

Related article:

Detailed technology for the construction of structures: soil preparation, fabrication of the frame, its installation and filling.

You can make a do-it-yourself compost bin using many different technologies and instructions. The proposed designs can be distinguished by materials that are required for work, dimensions, properties and ease of use.

Helpful advice! Regardless of the type of structure chosen, before starting to lay the raw materials inside the structure, it is necessary to thoroughly loosen the bottom and install the ventilation holes.

DIY compost bin: manufacturing options and instructions

Before making a compost pit with your own hands, it is advisable to consider as many options and designs as possible that can be used for this purpose. Let's take a closer look at the instructions for making the most popular boxes made from various materials.

Garden compost bin: installation and operation features

A garden composter may well be presented as a large box, divided into several sections. Usually two or three compartments are made, but experts strongly recommend stopping at the option with three sections, since each of them has its own purpose: the first serves for laying waste, the second is intended for the ripening of waste, and the third contains ready-made compost.

Depending on the individual wishes of the owner, the composter can be stationary or mobile (move on wheels). In this case, the recommended height of the box should not exceed 1 meter, and the size of each section should be about 1-1.5 meters.

Important! All wooden elements must be treated with a special protective compound designed to provide the material with reliable protection against harmful insects, as well as moisture.

To make a compost box with your own hands, you need to adhere to the following procedure:

8 wooden blocks are dug into the ground;
With the help of boards, also pre-opened with a protective compound, partitions are erected. To do this, they are attached to the supports at some distance from each other.
In the front, two compartments should be sheathed only to the middle, and only one bottom board is nailed to the third. Doors are mounted on the first two from above.
The back and end parts are fully sheathed.
The entire structure is covered with two layers of moisture resistant paint.
Finally, handles, latches, etc. are attached.

At the bottom of such a box, drainage must be laid, which can consist, for example, of dry tree branches. Immediately after that, you can go directly to the laying of waste inside the structure.

How to make a compost pit in the country using wooden planks

A compost pit is an excellent solution, if necessary, not to spoil the appearance of the site with the appearance of a heap of waste. Formation of fertilizer in such a structure takes much longer, and in order for the process to proceed as correctly and efficiently as possible, it is important to take care of the correct arrangement and ensuring access of the required amount of oxygen in advance.

The order of work:

First of all, it is necessary to dig a compost pit, the width of which will be 1.5 m, the length of 2 m, and the depth of about 1 meter.
In the corners, you need to dig in wooden blocks, observing an indent from the walls of 20 cm on each side.
With a step of 5 cm, boards are attached to these posts.
The resulting box is divided into two parts using a wooden shield.

The bottom of the compost pit is filled with a ten centimeter layer of bark, twigs and straw. Such a mixture will take on the role of drainage, which will allow to remove excess moisture and additionally ventilate the raw material.

Initially, only one of the compartments should be filled with waste. Then, when one is half full, the compost must be transferred to the second compartment. This procedure will maximize the enrichment of oxygen.

Important! The bottom and sides of the composter do not need to be covered with anything so that earthworms can freely get inside, which take an active part in the waste recycling process.

How to make a slate compost bin

Slate is a durable material that is great for creating structures for collecting and recycling organic waste into compost. The procedure for creating a suitable structure consists of several stages:

choosing a suitable place and taking measurements in order to determine the appropriate size of the pit;
according to the marks, a not too large depression is being dug, in the corners of which supports are installed, which can be used as boards or metal pipes;
slate sheets are installed along the perimeter of the pit;
using the same sheets, the resulting container is divided into several parts (two or three).

The use of such a design is carried out according to all the same recommendations that are given for compost pits made of wood.

How to make a compost pit out of concrete in the country

If you devote a little more time and attention to the process of arranging the compost pit, then as a result, it can serve several decades without problems. To do this, it is enough to concrete it. This can be done as follows:

you need to dig a hole about 80 cm deep, 2 m wide and 3 m long;
make formwork inside the pit;
then you need to prepare a solution consisting of sand, gravel and cement. To do this, pour 5 liters of water into a bucket and add 5 kg of sand and cement to it so that the ratio of dry components is 3: 1;
the resulting solution is poured into the formwork;
using wooden boards and a mesh-netting (a metal frame is also suitable), a cover is constructed for the pit.

It is very important that in the case of using boards for mounting the cover, there is a distance between the elements, which is necessary for proper ventilation.

Compost pit according to Finnish technology: the secrets of installation

The main requirement for structures made using Finnish technology is compliance with certain dimensions. The height and width of the box must necessarily be the same and be 1 m. This is extremely important, because in a smaller box, the raw material will simply dry out, turning not into compost, but into dust. Large sizes are unacceptable for another reason - in this case, there is a risk of burning the contents from too high a temperature.

For the manufacture of such a structure, it is best to use wood. Slate in this case is not a very suitable option, since structures made from it are characterized by a longer period of waste decomposition. Again, a cheap and at the same time quite convenient option is a Finnish compost pit made of pallets.

Algorithm for assembling a compost pit using Finnish technology:

The frame of the box of the required size is assembled from wood pre-treated with antiseptic agents.
Then the finished frame is sheathed with boards. Boards are tightly placed only on the partitions that separate the compartments. On the side walls, the boards should be spaced with an indent of 1 cm.
The back wall of the structure is also sewn up with boards at a distance of 1 cm.
The bottom of the box is covered using a croaker. It is also important to maintain some distance between the elements so that excess liquid can be efficiently drained away.
In the lower part of the front wall of the structure, a small door is equipped, the height of which is usually 30 cm. It is fastened with ordinary door hinges.
The roof of the structure is made gable, with one of the slopes attached to the hinges so that it simultaneously acts as a door, making it possible to fill in waste.

Interesting! In one box, the size of which is 1 × 1 m, you can prepare the amount of compost sufficient to fertilize a plot of land of 5-7 acres.

Compost pit-dry closet: what is it?

Another special type of compost pit is a dry closet, which is also capable of converting human waste products into compost. It is a structure consisting of two containers, each with a volume of 80 liters.

The use of this type of dry closet is as follows: after visiting the toilet, you need to turn a special handle, which is responsible for supplying a portion of a special mixture consisting of peat and sawdust. Thanks to this mechanism, the mixture is evenly distributed and falls asleep inside the waste.

It is quite possible to use such a composter-dry closet to dispose of not too much food waste, simply by throwing it inside and filling it with a dry mixture. When the first container is completely full, it must be pushed aside and the second one installed in place, which can be used in the same way. At this time, the first container will contain the compost mixture, completely ready for use.

Important! The compost obtained in such a composter will be very concentrated. This must be taken into account, and before adding it to the soil, you need to dilute the mixture with soil, sand or peat.

Criteria for choosing a ready-made composter for a summer residence

At the same time, an increasing number of owners of suburban areas are trying to move away from the use of homemade structures, preferring purchased models. Let's consider what advantages and disadvantages the ready-made designs have, and what parameters you need to pay special attention to before making a purchase.

In most cases, preference is given to simple and convenient composters that are easy to assemble and operate on their own. But since the number of offers on the modern market is extremely large, it can be really difficult to independently determine the most suitable option. As a guideline, experts recommend using certain criteria, since the models can be:

collapsible or one-piece;
with temperature sensor;
with a special device that allows you to loosen the contents;
with a net instead of the bottom, which provides protection from rodents;
of various shapes and sizes.

Composters also differ in the material used for their manufacture. So, plastic is the most popular today, since it is lightweight, which allows it to be moved around the site without problems, and its service life is extremely long. If the structure is planned as stationary, then you can also consider the option of purchasing a metal composter. Wooden models can also be found on sale, but they are not very common due to their short service life and exposure to external factors.

How to choose and buy a compost pit: an overview of the most popular brands and models

As examples, consider a few composters that are the most popular and have received a lot of positive feedback from users.

L&T Globe composter: features and characteristics

This model is highly valued by permanent residents of country houses, since it can be used throughout the year, and not every product can boast of this. The L&T Globe was developed by Finnish specialists who took into account the harsh weather conditions of the local climate. This allows the composter to function without problems even in the harshest winters.

Another advantage of this model is the absence of small and heavy parts, so it is quite easy to operate the device. The working volume of the container is 310 liters, and durable polyethylene was used as a material for the manufacture. In order for the system to function even in the cold season, a 15 mm layer of thermal insulation was provided, which allows you to maintain an optimal temperature inside.

Due to the low height of this composter, a person of absolutely any height can fill and empty it. Moreover, for even more comfort, a removable upper part is provided in the design.

Thus, all these design features create the most favorable environment for efficient composting of waste. The microclimate that is maintained inside the container promotes the growth and development of microorganisms capable of recycling waste. The developers have not forgotten about the ventilation system, which is presented in the form of drainage holes in the bottom of the composter.

Important! The ventilation system of this model can be used in two modes: summer / winter. It is important to carry out the switching in a timely manner using a specially provided shutter.

Bulbeo composter: features and benefits

This model is the development of Italian specialists, which exists on the domestic markets in two modifications, differing in size (700 and 900 liters). Initially, this model was intended exclusively for processing plant waste, but, as practice shows, it copes well with the composting of other organic waste.

This composter belongs to collapsible models and consists of separate parts, which can be easily assembled and, if necessary, disassembled again. This allows you to rearrange the container from one place to another and even transport it. Moreover, when disassembled, this design takes up very little space and can easily fit in the trunk of an ordinary passenger car.

Among the main advantages of this choice are noted:

the ability to get free access to the structure from six sides;
it is convenient to take out the finished compost thanks to the hinged doors;
on the site, this model looks quite aesthetically pleasing, since it resembles a blooming bud in shape;
discreet dark green color allows you to organically fit the structure into any landscape design.

Durable plastic is used as a material for this model, which provides reliable protection of the contents from wind and strong temperature extremes. According to the developers, the rounded shape of the walls contributes to the maturation of the compost.

Of course, there are vents available to ensure that the required amount of oxygen is available. Anyone can easily assemble this model, because this does not require any tools or additional fasteners. The finished structure weighs only 19 kg and its height is 885 mm.

Compost Pit Products: Features and Benefits

Having figured out how to make a compost heap, many expect that they will soon be able to use the nutrient fertilizer made in it. But the reality is that the natural maturation of compost can take up to 2 years. Of course, you can just be patient and wait. But you can go the other way, buying a special tool that promotes the maturation of compost and accelerates this process.

Interesting! The issue of using excipients is especially relevant for those regions of the country where the warm period is short. If the warm weather lasts only 2-3 months, then the maturation period of the compost has to be artificially reduced.

So, there are several drugs that are well suited for this purpose and are recommended not only by specialists, but also by real users. They all have different names, but, in general, their principle of operation is the same. As an example, consider the Tamir remedy.

Tamir is an extremely complex preparation, which includes a whole complex of microorganisms, which in the natural environment are responsible for ensuring the decomposition of organic waste and waste. Due to the high concentration of these bacteria, the composting process occurs several times faster, and after 2-3 weeks full maturation occurs.

It should be noted that the compost obtained in this way is not completely decomposed waste and is somewhat different from the usual consistency. But its final decomposition will take place directly in the soil, which will bring even greater benefits to the plants.

Important! It is believed that compost obtained as a result of exposure to auxiliary preparations, such as fertilizer, is many times more useful than that obtained naturally. Therefore, answering the common question whether it is possible to use means for compost pits, the answer is unequivocal - it is not only possible, but even necessary.

All means of this type are used according to the following technology:

if the pile has not yet been formed, then the drug is added on top of each new layer, after which it is poured over with water;
in the already finished heap, you need to make a recess to the full height, into which the drug and water are added.

Other ways to speed up the maturation of the compost heap

In addition to complex preparations, you can use other ways to stimulate the processing of organic waste and the maturation of compost in the pit. Let's consider each of them in more detail:

the use of rotted manure, which is quite capable of replacing biochemical preparations intended for composting. At the same time, it is forbidden to use fresh manure, since it can become a source of not only helminth eggs, but also weed seeds, pathogens, etc .;
a solution made from common yeast. To prepare it, you need 1 liter of water and about 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. To this is added 200 grams of sugar (1 cup). This solution is poured into the recesses made in the compost heap;
herbal infusion. To improve the effect, it is mixed with chicken manure or slurry in a ratio of 5: 2. It is important to know that the amount of nitrogen contained in fresh poultry manure is much higher than in manure, which means that the ratio should be different.

Helpful advice! In order for bird droppings to enter the compost heap in a natural way, you can install a feeder above it. This will greatly facilitate and speed up the process.

The methods of accelerating maturation also include artificial humidification of raw materials, its tedding and other measures designed to create the most comfortable microclimate for composting.

How to arrange a compost pit in the country with your own hands

Whichever structure is chosen for composting, it is unlikely that its appearance will be attractive enough in the end. Most likely, no one will want to look at the compost pit, so it will be useful to think about how you can use the original design to improve its appearance.

The problem of masking the compost pit is especially relevant for small plots, since almost the entire territory is in plain sight. Although it happens that even for spacious areas, the owners use different design strategies to give the compost pit a more attractive look. So, in order to hide such an object, you can use:

camouflage with plants and hedges;
artificial decoration and stationary fences.

Work related to the manufacture of artificial fences must be carried out in an open area located at some distance from the location of the compost pit. This is necessary in order to make it more convenient to work and to be able to move freely without being subject to discomfort from the smell exuded by the heap.

The main requirement for such a fence is that it must hide the entire site from the eyes of guests and owners. That is, the compost heap should be completely hidden behind it, and the appearance of the fence should be as attractive as possible and in harmony with the environment.

It is much longer and to some extent more difficult to create hedges for this purpose. But they look much more natural and elegant. The main thing is to pay attention to the choice of a suitable plant, so that in the end the hedge is not too bulky and lush, and does not break the general structure of the site.

Helpful advice! You can use light translucent screens entwined with vines as a fence. They do an excellent job with the task, and at the same time do not take up much space, so they are quite suitable for both large and small areas.

The best ideas for decorating a silo pit

Other elements, for example, special screens or screens, can be used to mask the place where the compost heap is located. Bamboo fences have proven to be excellent. Plants also look good if you carefully plant them in a row.

At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to equip a compost pit directly under fruit trees, as this can lead to their death. There must be some distance between the compost and the plants.

The most popular are the following design methods:

fruit trees and berry bushes planted in a row;
potted gardens placed on several levels to hide the entire structure;
installation of a small architecture object: a gazebo or a fenced barbecue (of course, in this case, you should take care that the unpleasant smell of rotting waste does not interfere);
flower beds with tall plants;
support wall.

Separately, it is worth noting the masking of compost heaps in the event that a plastic container was used for them. In this case, it is not at all necessary to completely mask it. You can use it as a decoration of the site, painting it in a bright color and planting beautiful flowers around. You can draw any drawing on such a container, thus giving it originality.

The easiest way is to work with small compost pits that can be hidden with an abundance of flowers or even shrubs. By the way, the compost yard is a great place to experiment with growing new varieties of annuals.

You can clearly see how composters for summer cottages are made and designed with your own hands by looking at training lessons and detailed instructions. You just need to decide which design is best suited in a particular case, as well as take into account your own individual requirements and wishes. Otherwise, there will be no problems, since there are as many options for do-it-yourself compost pits as there are ready-made models.

How to make a compost pit with your own hands: video instruction

Any land plot needs periodic fertilization. And what could be better than quality compost? Buying it and then bringing it to the site is a long and expensive task. Why not produce this valuable fertilizer directly on your own land, because all the conditions have been created for this? During the warm season, a lot of organic and plant waste accumulates on the site, which must be disposed of. It turns out that it is possible to combine the cleaning of the site from waste, and the production of compost from them. Let's take a look at how a compost pit can be built with our own hands, what is needed for this, and how to avoid elementary mistakes in the production of fertilizers.

Composting mind on a land plot is designed for stacking all kinds of plant and organic residues, waste, surplus of various products. Layered in layers, these ingredients gradually decompose into high quality fertilizer. The question arises: how to build a compost pit with your own hands so that fertilizer can be obtained in it during the season? To do this, you need to make some effort to help the compost ripen faster.

With proper care, you can get ready-made compost within 3 months. If you do not pay special attention to the pit, the process of waste decomposition will continue for about two years.

Compost pit requirements

For normal and rapid maturation of compost, it needs warmth, oxygen and moisture. How to make a compost pit correctly so that its contents turn into high-quality fertilizer, and the heap itself does not harm the plantings and people on the site? To do this, you should familiarize yourself with some of the requirements for such structures:

Most of the compost heap should rise above the soil level. Thanks to this, the heap warms up better, provides the convenience of loosening and watering. It is recommended to deepen the hole by about 50 cm, leaving obstacles above the soil surface about 1 m. The ideal width of the structure is 1.5 m, and its length is 2 m;
If there is a source of drinking water on the site, for example, a well, a well or a spring, then the distance from it to the pit should not be less than 25 m;
It is advisable to place the pit in a place that will be removed from the house or gazebo. In this case, the unpleasant smell that may come from the compost heap will not annoy the owners of the site;
It is advisable to place the hole in partial shade so that it is not constantly exposed to the sun. This will help it dry out;
How to make a compost pit so that runoff from it does not enter the source of clean water through the soil? To do this, if the site has a slope, it is enough to place the hole below the source;
You can not place a hole under fruit trees, as this can lead to their death;
The dimensions of the pit are selected taking into account the amount of plant debris and waste that is available in the country and will be in the pit for two years;
DIY options for making a compost pit should take into account that it is recommended to choose the height of the fences so that it is convenient to loosen and collect compost.

Tip: The bottom of the pit should not be covered with slate, metal, rubber or foil. They will not allow moisture to rise up from the soil, as a result of which the compost will constantly dry out. The bottom must certainly be earthen. But the walls can be closed with any material.

Dos and don'ts to throw in a compost pit

A self-built compost pit will justify its purpose if the following types of waste are laid in it:

leaves, bark, needles, shredded branches and roots;
weeds cut and cut, grass;
bird droppings and rotted biennial manure;
vegetables, fruits and berries, including peeling;
leftovers of coffee, tea;
hay, sawdust, shavings, straw;
ash from wood burning;
paper, paper bags, cardboard, napkins.

Tip: If a thick layer of fresh grass is laid in the pit, then the process of its decomposition can take six months or a year. In this case, cover the grass with soil.

You cannot lay in the pit:

inorganic products that do not degrade. These are rubber, plastic bags, plastic, metal, synthetic products;
pet feces, as they may contain helminth eggs;
bones;
tops of tomatoes and potatoes, as it is often infected with late blight;
plants treated with chemicals;
ripe weed seeds;
thick branches that rot for a long time.

Possible manufacturing options

A do-it-yourself compost heap can be made in several versions. We list them all, indicating the features of each of them.

A common pile where waste is piled

Select a place on the site where the compost heap will be located;
As various waste accumulates, they are stacked in a selected place. In this case, it is advisable to lay organic matter in layers. Alternate food waste with grass and manure;
When the height of the pile reaches 1 meter, make several depressions in it, into which you fill in the special compost liquid. This will speed up the maturation of the compost;
With regular loosening and watering, the compost will mature in 3 months.

This is ideal for those who want to get by with minimal effort but still get some compost. It is advisable to form several such heaps, each of which will decay gradually.

Simple pit

A simple compost pit arrangement in the country with your own hands will be provided by an ordinary pit dug in a chosen place:

The depth of the pit should be shallow, which will provide easier maintenance of its contents. Better to make it wider;
Branches, hay, tree bark are laid at the bottom of the pit;
Next are the layers of food and plant waste;
Since the temperature in the pit is not very high, it is advisable to cover it with foil.

This is the least successful way to set up a compost pit. It will take more effort to mix its contents, and the pit will warm up less. The advantages of such a pit are its small area and simplicity of the device.

Box made of wood or other material

How to make a DIY compost pit to be convenient and inexpensive? Use boards, bars, slate, sheets of metal, etc. for this.

The arrangement will be as follows:

On the soil, the top layer of soil is removed with a thickness of about 40 cm;
Pegs are driven in along the perimeter of the pit;
A fence is installed around the pit. It can be wooden (boards, pallets, boards, bars) or some other. Any material can be used: flat or corrugated slate, polycarbonate, metal sheets;
The height of the fence should not exceed 1 m. This is necessary for the convenience of mixing the compost;
From above, such a structure is covered with plywood or film.

This design allows the compost to warm up well, therefore it is considered optimal for use on land.

There is an original version of the wooden box. Its lower edges do not reach the soil surface by 25-30 cm. That is, boards or other material are fixed at a certain distance from the ground. In the lower part of such a box, the compost matures faster, as it was laid earlier. As it matures, the compost is pulled out and the heap settles down. Such a heap practically does not need to be loosened. It is always possible to get some ready-made compost.

Concrete pit

If you decide to build a durable structure that will last for decades, then follow the advice on how to make a compost heap in a concrete pit.

The structure is equipped as follows:

a site is marked for future construction (approximately 2x3 meters);
the soil is selected by 60-80 cm;
a formwork with a thickness of about 10 cm is being built around the perimeter of the future building;
the concrete solution is mixed;
concrete is poured into the formwork;
after the concrete hardens, the formwork is removed;
waste is laid in layers in a concrete pit;
from above, the pit is covered with wooden shields or covered with a film.

This is the most costly method of building a compost pit in terms of efforts and investment. Such a structure should be placed where the heap will definitely not create any difficulties, since it will be impossible to move it to another place.

Tip: It is recommended to divide the composting facility into at least 2 sections. While you will put fresh waste collected in the current season in one of them, last year's compost will decompose in the second section.

It should also be noted that there are options for organizing a compost pit from a barrel or special plastic containers for compost, but in addition, you will need to use drugs that accelerate waste processing, or add Californian worms.

How to properly operate a compost pit

We figured out how to build a DIY compost pit using a variety of layouts. It remains to illuminate the question of how to properly care for the compost pit during the season. It is enough to perform the following simple manipulations:

Loosen the compost periodically with a fork. In this case, oxygen will be provided to the inside of the heap. In addition, the waste will be mixed with each other, which will accelerate their decomposition.
Water the pile at least occasionally and more often during dry season. Thus, the contents of the pit will be moistened and rotted better. Overdried compost almost completely stops decomposing.
It is recommended to cover the top of the compost with a dark film. This will create a greenhouse effect inside the heap and raise its temperature. The film will keep moisture inside and prevent weeds from germinating. In a covered heap, the compost will mature in 3-4 months. If it is not covered, the ripening process will take a whole year.
Periodically add Californian worms to the pile, which loosen the contents of the pile and partially process it.
If possible, add decomposition accelerators to the contents of the compost heap. For example, Kompostin, Baikal EM-1, Embionik, Kompostar, Saneks EcoCompost, Bioforce Compost and others.

A properly constructed compost pit, which is regularly maintained, is able to provide the owners of the site with high-quality and practically free fertilizer in a very short time.

How can a compost pit be made with your own hands - the options for making a photo will be clearly demonstrated.