I’ve been burying kitchen scraps everyday in my hard clay soil for 3 months. When I recently dug the soil, it’s full of worms and countless crawly creatures & transforms the soil into rich soil. Amazing!
Hi Scott, I have several bins like this and I stand mine on a couple of bricks at the corners which prevents the wood touching the soil and slows down the decomposition of the bottom layer of wood in the pallets.
Makes sense, and as a bonus, it would give the bottom of the pile access to oxygen. On the other hand, ground contact allows desirable organisms to enter the pile. I'm guessing your bins work great.
Been three years, but glad this is still here…….really like the idea! Been wanting to build a bin for over a year now that we have a half acre to use as a veggie garden. Love the pallet way! Thanks.
I have one 4' x4' bin for finished product and 2 smaller bins (due to space constraints) for the "cooking" product. I have been fortunate to obtain a daily supply of coffee grounds (about 50lbs) from a local Starbucks. They seem really happy for me to take them and greet me by my first name. I use a paper shredder to reduce paper waste to small particles that I use along with leaves as my dry material. To all this I add kitchen scraps (veggies only!) to help move things along. I used to all red worms, but they always seem to move somewhere else by the end of the season so I let bacteria take care of the "cooking". Thank you Gardener Scott for you non nonsense invaluable information here on TH-cam!
I tried to build an elevated raised garden out of pallet wood. The first year it was good and a fun way to garden. But over winter, the bottoms rotted thru and we gave it up. Lesson learned. I reused most of the soil. Thanks for the video. As always you did your homework. I want to try again to use them as you do.
Thanks Scot, this was very informative. I was able to get a good number of same sized domestic use pallets from our local building supply company. I have a compost pile started with wood chips, lots of veggie matter (wife and I are plant based diet folks) and some leaves. We have an abundance of organic veggie material from the kitchen and started trading for grass clippings and leaves with local folks. My plans are to have three bins, each wide enough for my tractor front end bucket or grappler to get in. I also have plenty of wood chips as I have been chipping up the scrub and trees we have been clearing around our property. Plan on connecting pallets as you shown and add some rebar or garden stakes to reinforce outer edges and corners. Cant wait until snow is gone! I have a red worm farm starting also, thanks for that information also. Happy Gardening!
Hello sir, The way you explain things is so clear. You take your time. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Now, I will try to build my compost structure. Wish me luck.
Gardener Scott, thanks again for helping me begin to get a gardening education under your guidance. My question is: Should my bin be located in a shady spot in my yard, or a sunny one? i have a backyard container garden and have both types of areas I could use. I've been reading here and there, and some sources say, a sunny spot is preferable, others say a shady or partial shade spot is better, as it retains moisture. I probably attach a lid on the bin as we receive a fair amount of rainfall in the Fall here in zone 7. Thank you!
In rainy areas, a sunny spot is usually better so the pile can dry out quicker. In dry regions, a shady spot can reduce evaporation. I haven't noticed a big difference and suggest choosing the spot that is easiest to access and use.
Thanks for the info! Though it would make construction slightly more complicated, you could have the front panel hinged on carriage bolts and leave them loose so that it would swing up and out... instead of screwing it in. That would give better access to the bottom of the pile where the compost is in its furthest stage of decomposition!
You're right, Kevin. I mentioned having the front on a hinge and your idea would work. My screws are just a temporary measure before I install hooks that they can rest on; I'll remove the screws at that point. Any method that allows them to be moved out of the way to access the bottom of the pile is definitely a good idea. Thanks.
Great vid, plan to do this...one thing I want to do though is to make the inner walls with a fixed lower half like your doors but a removable upper half so I can turn from one bin to the adjacent one without having to lift the fork so high as my plan is to build four bays with one of the ends always empty so I can turn “down the line” each way to speed up the finish time...ever thought of something like that or tried it? Any good ideas on how to accomplish it? Thx
Thanks. You have the right idea. I like to use a three-bin system, always moving the compost down the line. I don't have enough material to do that right now, but will add another bin when I do. I've never done four bays because three works for me. There are some compost bin designs that use horizontal slats that slide into vertical supports. You might consider a design like that... the horizontal slats would separate the bays and you would just slide them up and out to move the compost. You could do it with pallets by removing the top half of wood and building a stacking wall system.
My buddy and I are about to embark on a quest to hunt some pallets about town in about an hour, I want contained compost so bad. Not trying to sink any much more money into anything i don't have to... maybe i can find enough to do compost and leaf mold in the same complex
Thank you for sharing this. I hope to start my bin come Spring. You mentioned covering up the bin. I live in Northern Maine, we get alot of rain here. Do you suggest a tarp to cover the bins or something more substantial?
Great video. How long should I expect one of these structures to last before I have to replace it? What should I do with the rotted remains that are full of nails?
This is great!! Thank you 🙏🏽 My husband is going to have a project for those pallets outside. 😂 I do have a question in regards to not adding more to the pile already started. I started a small pile recently but I add to it as it comes out of the kitchen. When do I consider it done to stop adding more? Should I wait and add all at once? Please and thank you.
Good question and one that I'll discuss in a video soon. If you want a hot compost pile, you add a lot of material all at once and then let that material compost quickly at high temperatures. For cold composting a small amount is added over time and the pile never reaches high temperatures so it takes longer to decompose. It comes down to how much effort you want to take, how much material you have, and how long you have for it to decompose.
@@GardenerScott thank you so much and I’ll be looking forward to that video. ☺️ so my next question is how long does hot compost take vs. cold compost? Thank you in advance
Adding a little every day will result in a colder pile which will take longer to break down. At some point when the volume is big, start a second pile or stockpile the material so the first pile can decompose faster.
What if i just want to add kitchen scraps and grass clippings.... every day, how can i go about that, can i mix the half finished compost with unfinished, i basically want to keep adding every day! Thanks for the info, very helpful.
What do you mean by adding hooks to the half wall? How would you do that? I understand that it is done so that the half wall is removable but I don't get how that would work.. thanks and great info!
I just got started on my first pile and allowed it to get pretty wet. I'm thinking about making a bed of dry leaves and putting the wet stuff on top a little bit at a time. Is there a better way to go about this? Are there any guidelines for "how wet is too wet?" TIA for any advice and keep up the great work.
Moist is the goal. If you can squeeze a handful of compost and water drips out it is too wet. Adding dry leaves can help absorb water but it may add excess carbon so do keep in mind the balance of nitrogen and carbon helps it all decompose faster.
@@GardenerScott Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. It was very helpful. I checked the pile in several places and none were too wet. I'm going to use the extra leaves to make mold using your bag method.
Thanks for the video! I have pallets, but move them into a shaded spot in the summer and a sunny spot in the wet spring and fall, and traditional fasteners (nails and screws) are a pain to get out when I move it. I think I’ll follow your advice and switch to simple wire. Thank you! P.s. where are you based?
This is a great idea! I manage a restaurant that uses mesquite as a cooking source that is delivered on pallets. So I can literally have the pallets for free. My question is: I plan on building the double version. So on one of the bins I just throw in the organic matter and on the second I should have soil to mix in the decomposed stuff?
The idea is to start a large pile in one side. After it is partially decomposed, you turn the material into the second bin to complete the decomposition. No soil is needed. Then you start a new pile in the first bin. When the second bin of compost is ready you remove it, turn the first bin into the second, and repeat.
Now that you mentioned it, I went to check my pallet pile and saw one labeled "MB." I understand you wouldn't want it to come in contact with food, or what will become food. What's your opinion on using it in damp basement to keep things up off the wet floor? I'm thinking of putting a shelving unit on top of the pallet.
Scott, I'd love to build a compost bin as you describe out of 4x4 metal fence panels. But how big of a problems are rodents? Chicken wire won't keep them out, as they can just squeeze or gnaw through it. What do you do or what can be done to keep out rodents?
I don't have a big problem with rodents and just accept that the few mice are part of the nature balance. If it's a big issue, a fully enclosed plastic bin can keep them out.
Maybe hardware cloth. It is more expensive than chicken wire, but is heavier and you can get quarter inch squared. It is what they make rabbit cages from sometimes and it is what is on my chicken coop.
Hi! I have a 3 stall set up similar to yours sans the chicken wire. Question: Once the compost is ready to use, should I place it on a tarp or use a tarp over it to keep the nutrients from washing away in rains or it simply composting itself further into the ground underneath? Same question with storing soil. Thank you for the great information!
Scott watched you vidio on building compost bins and making compost. We have horses can I use the manure and stall bedding (pine shavings) in my compost mix?
Absolutely. Those can be great materials to use. The only concern is if you use salt licks. Excess salt will be introduced to the compost if you do. If that's the case, try to use manure from horses that didn't use them.
I have my compost in a garbage pail and it is like sludge consistency now. Should I get rid of it or has it still a chance to normalize by adding leaves?
You can add it to your compost pile or add leaves. The sludge is probably mostly decomposed and you can use use it after you dry it out a bit, but it can also add bacteria to the other ingredients.
Scott, do you put cardboard down on the bottom? How do you prevent the weeds from growing up through, if you're just getting started, and don't have a lot of supplies yet?
Hi Scott for the moment because of lac of space I started a compost pile witsh I fill everyday with layers of Brown and green materials . On bare ground when the winter comes I turn it to another place and scoop it from the left to the right every 14 days I keep the moisture level check every one or two weeks depending on the whaether . But I do all that open and on bare soil .... my dog take care of rats ore other mink and the soil where I had laying my pile every year another place improved enormous because I have the same Sandy soil like you have . But what are you're thought because the fact it laying on bare soil open without pallets ore anything ?
@@GardenerScott yes Scott with that purpose i do it so too improve the soil everywhere i turn my pile and saturate him a little alo the weeds go away they gone to be part of the compost
Does a compost bin need spaces for air circulation such as the spaces on the pallets? In other words, can I have solid walls on the three sides? I have 2 large wooden shipping boxes I want to convert to compost bins but all the sides are solid wood. I could cut holes in them, but is it necessary? Thanks.
What were the size of the pallets that you used? I have 40"W x 48"L for my three walls and then a 48"W x 72"L. The longer pallet has it slates vertical. I'm thinking I want to switch the back so I can keep the compost in better.
Maybe. For wet regions a sunny spot can help it dry out. For dry regions a shady spot can reduce evaporation. For many of us, finding a spot close to the garden is a more important factor.
I've been collecting all year and have lots of piles all at various stages. Rather than use when ready I need to use all I can get in the spring of next year. Do you see any downside to mixing finished compost in with new so it all finishes at the same time? I figure that would be better than trying to store the finished.
The primary downside is the potential for changing the temperature of the pile and affecting which bacteria are at work. Finished compost is no longer food for bacteria so it's almost like adding cold water to a pot of boiling water; it cools everything down and means it takes longer to heat up again. If you're okay with delaying the unfinished pile so that it's all done together, you can do it. This video of mine explains how different bacteria work at different temperatures; th-cam.com/video/kDI7-TRNInM/w-d-xo.html
@@GardenerScott OK I should probly allow the fresh piles to go through their heat. Never had the problem of storing finished compost. Good problem I guess. Found reptile eggs in one of my piles. Hope they were turtle but likely not. If I remember alligators lay eggs in decaying material and the temperature determines sex. No alligators here thank goodness.
I haven't heard of reptile eggs in compost before. Thanks for sharing. It goes to show how effective the heat in a pile is at increasing the garden environment.
@@GardenerScott Update: I'm the proud father of a baby snake. As I suspected. Haven't typed it yet. Saved one egg and put the rest back. They were all eaten. Disturbing the pile probly exposed them. There used to be a wood pile in that spot, maybe that had something to do with it.
Thanks for the update, Tom. I consider the appearance of snakes as the best indication of a balanced garden ecosystem. Even though rattlesnakes live near me, I've only had prairie garter snakes in the garden. Good luck.
Maybe you’ve answered this in another video, I’m wondering about adding cow, horse and chicken manure to our compost. I would think it would be safe. What is your opinion?
its fine, as long as you compensate for the nitrogen rich manure with more carbon material but horse manure may cause you problems later on, with weeds and some diseases, charles dawding have a video about it
Cow manure, yes. Would pass on horse manure. Have used aged cow manure for decades and it does the trick, especially mixed with other material. Never used chicken but it is worth a shot
It depends on your climate. In hot, dry regions putting it in the shade can reduce evaporation and the need to water the pile. In wet regions the sun can help dry it out. In cold areas the sun thaws it out in spring.
Here you mentioned a good point: “you shouldn’t be adding more materials as it’s decomposing because it’ll slow it down”. What do you think of what many others are saying about “add as you go” idea of adding kitchen scraps everyday? Before gardening I used to freeze my kitchen scraps & throw them away only when the bag is filled, to save on the use of garbage bags. Now I just burry them on a daily basis & thus only use 1 bag per month or two.
I have a compost pile that I add kitchen scraps to regularly. It decomposes very slowly and would take more than a year to break down. It is more of a storage area for organic matter and when I get enough material I move it to another bin to break down faster.
It doesn't ruin the compost. Typically, the pile freezes and the bacteria will go dormant. In spring when everything thaws the decomposition begins again. It is possible to keep compost warm in winter but it takes a lot of work. I usually just let the snow fall and wait until warm weather returns.
You could insulate the pallet using styrofoam or blown foam infill the gaps in the pallets if you google hotcompost there is a someone who makes for £199
Heat treated pallets are safe in their own right, but how do you find peace of mind that nothing toxic was spilled on the pallets during their service life? Any tips for hedging against that risk, or putting it into perspective?
Asking the source of the pallets can help. Many companies buy new pallets and re-use them. Mine came from a paper supply company and I'm not too concerned about hazardous chemicals.
Didn’t know this: 2:40 Why don’t all these diy compost bin instructions mention you should make sure that the pallets aren’t toxic? Seems like important information.
I see... Other than that, the ingredients in those food like salt, oil, preservatives, and other chemicals are ok? They can be broken down too? I might have to device a covered container then. I’d hate for any kind of food to get wasted.
It's best to compost organic material and avoid chemicals. If you have any concern about the food and what chemicals are in it, it's best not to compost it.
My question isn't directly related to the compost but rather addresses the biggest thing holding me back from building bins just like this: How can you deter stinging pests (paper wasps, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc) from building nests in the compost or even in the slats of the pallet? I would imagine that the chemicals needed to remove their nests wouldn't be good for the compost, either. And I certainly won't be using this if they move in and I can't get them out.....
I don't have that problem because I keep an eye on the piles and disrupt any potential pest like that. Active composting with adding material and turning the piles should be enough to deter them.
@@GardenerScott You are a plethora of info! So I've learned to keep the kitchen scraps covered within the nitrogen and carbon and not let it get too wet and there shouldn't be a smell to attract them. I've been binge watching your videos while I nurse a torn calf muscle trying to dig out a lily clump. Who knew I should have stretched first to start gardening. 🤦🏻♀️ Thank you for all the info you share. - Zone 5a/b Ontario, Canada
Impressive design 👌. If you interested in making quality compost check out Dr Elaine Ingham information on this process. It sounds like your static composting, we use thermo composting methods. I think you would like the results
Thank you for that suggestion, Jonathan. I have read some of her soil foodweb information in the past, but you've prompted me to look into it further. Thanks.
Is this similar to the su Johnson’s bio reactor pile it on a pallet and have vent pipes leave it to do it’s work for 6 - 12 months giving really good compost
I’ve been burying kitchen scraps everyday in my hard clay soil for 3 months. When I recently dug the soil, it’s full of worms and countless crawly creatures & transforms the soil into rich soil. Amazing!
It is amazing. If there is food, they will find it.
Your breakdown of the different types of pallet treatment is very informative and helpful!
Hi Scott, I have several bins like this and I stand mine on a couple of bricks at the corners which prevents the wood touching the soil and slows down the decomposition of the bottom layer of wood in the pallets.
Makes sense, and as a bonus, it would give the bottom of the pile access to oxygen. On the other hand, ground contact allows desirable organisms to enter the pile. I'm guessing your bins work great.
4/28/24 Headed out to start my bin today . Update: I was able to get one built and will add another compartment later this week.
Great job. I love the clarity of your speech - I love it.
Best description and demonstration of pallet composting video yet etc....thank you!
Can you make a video on compost ingredients you use and maintenance, please? Love your stuff, Scott!
I will, Tyler. I'm collecting the ingredients now and will do a video in the weeks ahead. Thanks.
Been three years, but glad this is still here…….really like the idea! Been wanting to build a bin for over a year now that we have a half acre to use as a veggie garden. Love the pallet way! Thanks.
I have one 4' x4' bin for finished product and 2 smaller bins (due to space constraints) for the "cooking" product. I have been fortunate to obtain a daily supply of coffee grounds (about 50lbs) from a local Starbucks. They seem really happy for me to take them and greet me by my first name. I use a paper shredder to reduce paper waste to small particles that I use along with leaves as my dry material. To all this I add kitchen scraps (veggies only!) to help move things along. I used to all red worms, but they always seem to move somewhere else by the end of the season so I let bacteria take care of the "cooking". Thank you Gardener Scott for you non nonsense invaluable information here on TH-cam!
You're welcome, David. You have a good method and good recipe cooking. Thanks for sharing.
Great info Scott! I’m gonna build this today
Thank you Gardener Scott! I'll be working on my composters next week.
Tarp suggestion is gold for me. Cheers!
Last thing we discussed yesterday. First thing i find this morning! Thanks Gardener Scott! New Subscriber 👍!
Glad to help, Michael. Welcome to the channel!
I didn’t know about international pallet treatment. Thank you for the information!
ME EITHER. GLAD TO KNOW ABOUT IT NOW.
@@Cakepan45 This has to be why my dad never let me get those pallets as a kid for my treehouse...
Cheap, easy and effective. Great vid Scott. Thx!
I tried to build an elevated raised garden out of pallet wood. The first year it was good and a fun way to garden. But over winter, the bottoms rotted thru and we gave it up. Lesson learned. I reused most of the soil. Thanks for the video. As always you did your homework. I want to try again to use them as you do.
Enjoy the new way of doing it.
Thanks
Thanks for these tips. I'll have to check my pallets for the treatment marks before I move forward.
I checked them all and they are marked HT! So I'm good to go :)
Simple and yes the most effective method, thanks very much Scott!
Thanks Scot, this was very informative. I was able to get a good number of same sized domestic use pallets from our local building supply company. I have a compost pile started with wood chips, lots of veggie matter (wife and I are plant based diet folks) and some leaves. We have an abundance of organic veggie material from the kitchen and started trading for grass clippings and leaves with local folks. My plans are to have three bins, each wide enough for my tractor front end bucket or grappler to get in. I also have plenty of wood chips as I have been chipping up the scrub and trees we have been clearing around our property. Plan on connecting pallets as you shown and add some rebar or garden stakes to reinforce outer edges and corners. Cant wait until snow is gone! I have a red worm farm starting also, thanks for that information also. Happy Gardening!
That sounds like it will be a great operation. Enjoy!
Awesome! I’ve been wanting to rework the bottom of my garden where the existing compost pile is. This will be perfect!
Hi, thanks for all your help! I have sprouts coming out of my new garden bed😄😁. You have been my motivation/teacher. Your so awesome.
Wise choice you built your compost bins first enjoying watching you establish your new garden
Thanks. I think compost bins should be among the first construction in a garden. Best to get it started right away.
Hello sir,
The way you explain things is so clear. You take your time. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Now, I will try to build my compost structure. Wish me luck.
Good luck! 👍
Love the video on making a compost bin from pallets, thank you :)
Using compost is one of the best things to do with any garden. Thanks for the info--inspiring! And easier than I thought!
Yes, compost is amazing. Thanks.
Thank you for the ideas and now I am looking for pallets!
I might us a tarp to keep the rain off! :D
Gardener Scott, thanks again for helping me begin to get a gardening education under your guidance. My question is: Should my bin be located in a shady spot in my yard, or a sunny one? i have a backyard container garden and have both types of areas I could use. I've been reading here and there, and some sources say, a sunny spot is preferable, others say a shady or partial shade spot is better, as it retains moisture. I probably attach a lid on the bin as we receive a fair amount of rainfall in the Fall here in zone 7. Thank you!
In rainy areas, a sunny spot is usually better so the pile can dry out quicker. In dry regions, a shady spot can reduce evaporation. I haven't noticed a big difference and suggest choosing the spot that is easiest to access and use.
@@GardenerScott Thank you, Scott. Time for me to dive in and get started!
Enjoyed the video and its calrity. A couple of brick under the pallets will save them.
Thank you for the info on pallet treatment! FYI, it’s around 2:40.
Invaluable info. Had no idea. Glad I heard this in time, as I was just about to start building a pallet bin!
Awesome video, Scott.
Thank you for this info. and easy way to make compost bins.
Thanks
GREAT IDEA!
Thanks for the info! Though it would make construction slightly more complicated, you could have the front panel hinged on carriage bolts and leave them loose so that it would swing up and out... instead of screwing it in. That would give better access to the bottom of the pile where the compost is in its furthest stage of decomposition!
You're right, Kevin. I mentioned having the front on a hinge and your idea would work. My screws are just a temporary measure before I install hooks that they can rest on; I'll remove the screws at that point. Any method that allows them to be moved out of the way to access the bottom of the pile is definitely a good idea. Thanks.
Thank you for the excellent information.
You bet!
Very nice job!
Thank you!
Very helpful! Thank you!
Great video can’t wait to make one! ☘️☘️☘️
Very thorough, thank you.
Very welcome!
Great, thanks for the info
I've used a corrugated top on the compost trays to collect rain water in a large container
Good idea. Thanks.
Great vid, plan to do this...one thing I want to do though is to make the inner walls with a fixed lower half like your doors but a removable upper half so I can turn from one bin to the adjacent one without having to lift the fork so high as my plan is to build four bays with one of the ends always empty so I can turn “down the line” each way to speed up the finish time...ever thought of something like that or tried it? Any good ideas on how to accomplish it? Thx
Thanks. You have the right idea. I like to use a three-bin system, always moving the compost down the line. I don't have enough material to do that right now, but will add another bin when I do. I've never done four bays because three works for me. There are some compost bin designs that use horizontal slats that slide into vertical supports. You might consider a design like that... the horizontal slats would separate the bays and you would just slide them up and out to move the compost. You could do it with pallets by removing the top half of wood and building a stacking wall system.
Great information! With this knowledge I'm ready to start my bins :)
That's wonderful. Go for it.
Good morning! Would you please explain how you hang the half gate on your compost bin?
I have it attached with wire. I untwist the wire from one end when I want to open it.
GREAT information about pallets and safety a very good information video.
Should it be in sunny or shady location?
Either can work. In dry areas the shade reduces evaporation. In cold areas the sun helps keep the pile warm.
My buddy and I are about to embark on a quest to hunt some pallets about town in about an hour, I want contained compost so bad. Not trying to sink any much more money into anything i don't have to... maybe i can find enough to do compost and leaf mold in the same complex
Thank you for sharing this. I hope to start my bin come Spring. You mentioned covering up the bin. I live in Northern Maine, we get alot of rain here. Do you suggest a tarp to cover the bins or something more substantial?
A tarp is usually enough to keep excess rain off and can help hold in heat when the snow comes.
Great video. How long should I expect one of these structures to last before I have to replace it? What should I do with the rotted remains that are full of nails?
I've never had to replace one because, but I imagine 10-15 years is typical.
Great video! Do you happen to have suggestions as to rigging up a removable top to put on the bins to limit moisture when needed?
A simple tarp is easy. A piece of plywood on a hinge is also good.
This is great!! Thank you 🙏🏽 My husband is going to have a project for those pallets outside. 😂 I do have a question in regards to not adding more to the pile already started. I started a small pile recently but I add to it as it comes out of the kitchen. When do I consider it done to stop adding more? Should I wait and add all at once? Please and thank you.
Good question and one that I'll discuss in a video soon. If you want a hot compost pile, you add a lot of material all at once and then let that material compost quickly at high temperatures. For cold composting a small amount is added over time and the pile never reaches high temperatures so it takes longer to decompose. It comes down to how much effort you want to take, how much material you have, and how long you have for it to decompose.
@@GardenerScott thank you so much and I’ll be looking forward to that video. ☺️ so my next question is how long does hot compost take vs. cold compost? Thank you in advance
@@Ealves0525 Hot compost can be ready in as little as a month. Cold composting often takes at least a year.
@@GardenerScott I think I like the hot 😆
Great information once again. Just one question, once you get your compost full, how often do you turn it?
Thanks. I turn a full pile about once or twice a month, but I'm not doing hot composting. If it gets very hot it can be turned more often.
Can you please clarify the best way to compost if you want to add a little kitchen waste each day to your pile? I enjoyed your compost videos
Adding a little every day will result in a colder pile which will take longer to break down. At some point when the volume is big, start a second pile or stockpile the material so the first pile can decompose faster.
What if i just want to add kitchen scraps and grass clippings.... every day, how can i go about that, can i mix the half finished compost with unfinished, i basically want to keep adding every day!
Thanks for the info, very helpful.
You can keep adding to it, but it won't decompose quickly until you have a big pile and stop adding every day.
Good morning Scott. Great video. We get quite a bit of rain in our area. You mentioned putting a top on the compost bin. What do you suggest?
I use a tarp, but the bin can be constructed with a top of metal or wood.
Thank you for the info
If I add fresh chicken manure to the soil how much time I should wait before planting a tree??
I would wait a few months. If you compost the manure you can plant in the amended soil right away.
What do you mean by adding hooks to the half wall? How would you do that? I understand that it is done so that the half wall is removable but I don't get how that would work.. thanks and great info!
There are hooks you can buy for securing doors and cabinets. They connect to an eye bolt on another piece of wood. That's what I was referring to.
I just got started on my first pile and allowed it to get pretty wet. I'm thinking about making a bed of dry leaves and putting the wet stuff on top a little bit at a time. Is there a better way to go about this? Are there any guidelines for "how wet is too wet?" TIA for any advice and keep up the great work.
Moist is the goal. If you can squeeze a handful of compost and water drips out it is too wet. Adding dry leaves can help absorb water but it may add excess carbon so do keep in mind the balance of nitrogen and carbon helps it all decompose faster.
@@GardenerScott Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. It was very helpful. I checked the pile in several places and none were too wet. I'm going to use the extra leaves to make mold using your bag method.
Thanks for the video! I have pallets, but move them into a shaded spot in the summer and a sunny spot in the wet spring and fall, and traditional fasteners (nails and screws) are a pain to get out when I move it.
I think I’ll follow your advice and switch to simple wire. Thank you!
P.s. where are you based?
Hi, Owen. I'm in Colorado.
This is a great idea! I manage a restaurant that uses mesquite as a cooking source that is delivered on pallets. So I can literally have the pallets for free.
My question is: I plan on building the double version. So on one of the bins I just throw in the organic matter and on the second I should have soil to mix in the decomposed stuff?
The idea is to start a large pile in one side. After it is partially decomposed, you turn the material into the second bin to complete the decomposition. No soil is needed. Then you start a new pile in the first bin. When the second bin of compost is ready you remove it, turn the first bin into the second, and repeat.
@@GardenerScott awesome! Thank you!!
Since pallets are horizontal would it be possible to use a couple of strap hinges to support door?
Sure. That would work great.
If you were to put a top, would you put it on hinges, so you can lift it when working in the bin?
I would use hinges or make it easily removable to just lift off.
Now that you mentioned it, I went to check my pallet pile and saw one labeled "MB." I understand you wouldn't want it to come in contact with food, or what will become food. What's your opinion on using it in damp basement to keep things up off the wet floor? I'm thinking of putting a shelving unit on top of the pallet.
You can definitely use it in a damp basement. It would be perfect for that because of how it was treated.
Scott,
I'd love to build a compost bin as you describe out of 4x4 metal fence panels. But how big of a problems are rodents? Chicken wire won't keep them out, as they can just squeeze or gnaw through it. What do you do or what can be done to keep out rodents?
I don't have a big problem with rodents and just accept that the few mice are part of the nature balance. If it's a big issue, a fully enclosed plastic bin can keep them out.
Maybe hardware cloth. It is more expensive than chicken wire, but is heavier and you can get quarter inch squared. It is what they make rabbit cages from sometimes and it is what is on my chicken coop.
Hi! I have a 3 stall set up similar to yours sans the chicken wire. Question: Once the compost is ready to use, should I place it on a tarp or use a tarp over it to keep the nutrients from washing away in rains or it simply composting itself further into the ground underneath? Same question with storing soil. Thank you for the great information!
You can cover with a tarp, but once it's ready I like to store it in a container like a trash can until I can use it.
Scott watched you vidio on building compost bins and making compost. We have horses can I use the manure and stall bedding (pine shavings) in my compost mix?
Absolutely. Those can be great materials to use. The only concern is if you use salt licks. Excess salt will be introduced to the compost if you do. If that's the case, try to use manure from horses that didn't use them.
Nice vid.
Thanks.
I have my compost in a garbage pail and it is like sludge consistency now. Should I get rid of it or has it still a chance to normalize by adding leaves?
You can add it to your compost pile or add leaves. The sludge is probably mostly decomposed and you can use use it after you dry it out a bit, but it can also add bacteria to the other ingredients.
any scenario where you would want to keep the compost up off of the ground Scott?
Not really. If the only available location is a wet area with a lot of puddling, elevating might help.
@@GardenerScott thank you
Scott, do you put cardboard down on the bottom? How do you prevent the weeds from growing up through, if you're just getting started, and don't have a lot of supplies yet?
I don't. The volume and weight of the materials are usually enough to smother weeds. Any that grow can be cut and added to the pile.
@@GardenerScott thank you. I watched a bunch of your videos last night...
Hi Scott for the moment because of lac of space I started a compost pile witsh I fill everyday with layers of Brown and green materials . On bare ground when the winter comes I turn it to another place and scoop it from the left to the right every 14 days I keep the moisture level check every one or two weeks depending on the whaether . But I do all that open and on bare soil .... my dog take care of rats ore other mink and the soil where I had laying my pile every year another place improved enormous because I have the same Sandy soil like you have . But what are you're thought because the fact it laying on bare soil open without pallets ore anything ?
I think that can be a good idea. You don't have to use a bin. It is a very good way to improve the soil underneath the pile.
@@GardenerScott yes Scott with that purpose i do it so too improve the soil everywhere i turn my pile and saturate him a little alo the weeds go away they gone to be part of the compost
Does a compost bin need spaces for air circulation such as the spaces on the pallets? In other words, can I have solid walls on the three sides? I have 2 large wooden shipping boxes I want to convert to compost bins but all the sides are solid wood. I could cut holes in them, but is it necessary? Thanks.
You can have solid sides. Turning the pile will add oxygen for the bacteria.
What were the size of the pallets that you used? I have 40"W x 48"L for my three walls and then a 48"W x 72"L. The longer pallet has it slates vertical. I'm thinking I want to switch the back so I can keep the compost in better.
Mine are about 48"x40".
Does sun or shade matter when choosing the location of the compost bin?
Maybe. For wet regions a sunny spot can help it dry out. For dry regions a shady spot can reduce evaporation. For many of us, finding a spot close to the garden is a more important factor.
How often do you mix the compost pile?
I try to do it once a week, but it often becomes once a month. The more it's mixed, the faster it decomposes.
Nice
I live in SW Idaho. During the winter we can get snow.Can a compost pile survive the winter here?
Sure. It does take effort to turn the pile and keep the heat up in winter. I let my pile freeze and it thaws in spring and begins decomposing again.
I've been collecting all year and have lots of piles all at various stages. Rather than use when ready I need to use all I can get in the spring of next year. Do you see any downside to mixing finished compost in with new so it all finishes at the same time? I figure that would be better than trying to store the finished.
The primary downside is the potential for changing the temperature of the pile and affecting which bacteria are at work. Finished compost is no longer food for bacteria so it's almost like adding cold water to a pot of boiling water; it cools everything down and means it takes longer to heat up again. If you're okay with delaying the unfinished pile so that it's all done together, you can do it. This video of mine explains how different bacteria work at different temperatures; th-cam.com/video/kDI7-TRNInM/w-d-xo.html
@@GardenerScott OK I should probly allow the fresh piles to go through their heat. Never had the problem of storing finished compost. Good problem I guess. Found reptile eggs in one of my piles. Hope they were turtle but likely not. If I remember alligators lay eggs in decaying material and the temperature determines sex. No alligators here thank goodness.
I haven't heard of reptile eggs in compost before. Thanks for sharing. It goes to show how effective the heat in a pile is at increasing the garden environment.
@@GardenerScott Update: I'm the proud father of a baby snake. As I suspected. Haven't typed it yet. Saved one egg and put the rest back. They were all eaten. Disturbing the pile probly exposed them. There used to be a wood pile in that spot, maybe that had something to do with it.
Thanks for the update, Tom. I consider the appearance of snakes as the best indication of a balanced garden ecosystem. Even though rattlesnakes live near me, I've only had prairie garter snakes in the garden. Good luck.
Maybe you’ve answered this in another video, I’m wondering about adding cow, horse and chicken manure to our compost. I would think it would be safe. What is your opinion?
coolmusicTchr I’m not gardener Scott, but you can add manures...
its fine, as long as you compensate for the nitrogen rich manure with more carbon material
but horse manure may cause you problems later on, with weeds and some diseases, charles dawding have a video about it
Cow manure, yes. Would pass on horse manure. Have used aged cow manure for decades and it does the trick, especially mixed with other material. Never used chicken but it is worth a shot
Make sure the hay/pasture of any livestock poop that you use has not been sprayed. If grazon has been used, it will kill your garden. 😢
I have some of the blue pallets with no markings. Are they safe to use?
They should be.
Is it better to have the bin in shade or sun?
It depends on your climate. In hot, dry regions putting it in the shade can reduce evaporation and the need to water the pile. In wet regions the sun can help dry it out. In cold areas the sun thaws it out in spring.
Should compost bins be in the sun or shade? Does it matter? Thanks😊
It can matter. In dry regions shade can reduce evaporation. In wet regions sun can help dry out the pile.
Here you mentioned a good point: “you shouldn’t be adding more materials as it’s decomposing because it’ll slow it down”. What do you think of what many others are saying about “add as you go” idea of adding kitchen scraps everyday? Before gardening I used to freeze my kitchen scraps & throw them away only when the bag is filled, to save on the use of garbage bags. Now I just burry them on a daily basis & thus only use 1 bag per month or two.
I have a compost pile that I add kitchen scraps to regularly. It decomposes very slowly and would take more than a year to break down. It is more of a storage area for organic matter and when I get enough material I move it to another bin to break down faster.
What about winter time with -25°-30°C and tons of snow? Will it ruin the compost?
It doesn't ruin the compost. Typically, the pile freezes and the bacteria will go dormant. In spring when everything thaws the decomposition begins again. It is possible to keep compost warm in winter but it takes a lot of work. I usually just let the snow fall and wait until warm weather returns.
You could insulate the pallet using styrofoam or blown foam infill the gaps in the pallets if you google hotcompost there is a someone who makes for £199
The Guru of Kang it does not break down into the compost if you use common sense does the insulation in the fridge contaminate the food?
Heat treated pallets are safe in their own right, but how do you find peace of mind that nothing toxic was spilled on the pallets during their service life? Any tips for hedging against that risk, or putting it into perspective?
Asking the source of the pallets can help. Many companies buy new pallets and re-use them. Mine came from a paper supply company and I'm not too concerned about hazardous chemicals.
Anyone having trouble with wildlife getting into their compost? Do the pallets help?
PS. G-Scott you are the man.
Pallets help keep bigger animals out but rodents can still get in.
Didn’t know this: 2:40 Why don’t all these diy compost bin instructions mention you should make sure that the pallets aren’t toxic? Seems like important information.
I do include that information in my other video about compost.
Gardener Scott you do mention it. This is the first one I saw that actually does. I’m glad I saw this video before I made mine.
👍👍
Can I compost cooked food leftovers like pizza, noodles, soup, fried rice, etc?
You can, but it is more likely to attract vermin and other animals.
I see...
Other than that, the ingredients in those food like salt, oil, preservatives, and other chemicals are ok? They can be broken down too?
I might have to device a covered container then. I’d hate for any kind of food to get wasted.
It's best to compost organic material and avoid chemicals. If you have any concern about the food and what chemicals are in it, it's best not to compost it.
That makes sense, thank you.
Would it not be ok to bury them instead then?
How many years until it rots?
It depends on your climate. In my dry region they can easily last a decade or more.
I found that some tarps people use has plastic particles in them that come off in the compost. I think I will avoid tarps.
If it rains too hard on your compost pile, is there a danger that all the "good stuff" will wash away and only leave the big, un-decomposed stuff?
Most of the good stuff will stay but some of the nutrients like nitrogen will wash out.
@@GardenerScott OK, thanks! I guess it's not so bad that I have to turn my life upside down trying to prevent it. :)
My question isn't directly related to the compost but rather addresses the biggest thing holding me back from building bins just like this:
How can you deter stinging pests (paper wasps, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc) from building nests in the compost or even in the slats of the pallet? I would imagine that the chemicals needed to remove their nests wouldn't be good for the compost, either. And I certainly won't be using this if they move in and I can't get them out.....
I don't have that problem because I keep an eye on the piles and disrupt any potential pest like that. Active composting with adding material and turning the piles should be enough to deter them.
@@GardenerScott thank you!
Funny thing. I know a guy names "Scott Gardner"
Nobody gives pallets away any more since YT's pallet challenges started.
Can you help me out by convincing my husband that it's not going to bring in all the skunks and racoons to our acreage. 😁😁
Hopefully my library of videos will help. There are raccoons and skunks in my area and I don't have a problem with them in my garden.
@@GardenerScott You are a plethora of info! So I've learned to keep the kitchen scraps covered within the nitrogen and carbon and not let it get too wet and there shouldn't be a smell to attract them. I've been binge watching your videos while I nurse a torn calf muscle trying to dig out a lily clump. Who knew I should have stretched first to start gardening. 🤦🏻♀️ Thank you for all the info you share.
- Zone 5a/b Ontario, Canada
Had to listen at 1.5 speed
Hello
I made it by myself. I used woodprix instructions woodworking plans for that.
Thanks
There is no reason to make a compost bin if you have that wide free space in your garden.
I like keeping my materials in a controlled, closed space. It also helps keep my dog and other animals from spreading the pile.
Impressive design 👌. If you interested in making quality compost check out Dr Elaine Ingham information on this process. It sounds like your static composting, we use thermo composting methods. I think you would like the results
Thank you for that suggestion, Jonathan. I have read some of her soil foodweb information in the past, but you've prompted me to look into it further. Thanks.
Is this similar to the su Johnson’s bio reactor pile it on a pallet and have vent pipes leave it to do it’s work for 6 - 12 months giving really good compost