Making Compost bins from Pallets
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ค. 2024
- Making compost bins is one of the easiest ways to help improve your soil and make amazing organic matter for your garden. Compost can be used as mulch, soil improver and growing media. You can recycle all sorts of garden waste, green food waste and scraps. Turning it into fantastic compost using a pallet compost bin. Garden Ninja www.gardennninja.co.uk shows you how!
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All explained by Garden Ninja, Manchesters Garden Designer and blogger Lee Burkhill. He's an RHS winning garden designer and expert panellist on BBC Radio Manchester's Saturday morning garden phone in.
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There’s usually two main methods of composting garden waste.
Cold composting (small scale) & Hot composting (larger scale)
There’s the small black compost bin method which is known as ‘cold’ composting. You’ll recognise this from those plastic bins you can buy in garden centres and from online shops. It’s referred to as cold composting because the bin never really gets enough critical mass of decomposing matter to create too much heat. This method takes pretty much a full year or so to get to the good stuff.
Then there is hot composting where a compost heap that’s 1m square and above will start to generate some serious heat and thus break down the waste quicker. It means you can get really rich compost far sooner! You do need enough waste to get the critical mass of heat but I’m sure most gardeners who pack their gardens with plants could produce this in a season.
Either method will help you create the lifeforce of most successful gardens home made compost. Compost worked into any soil can help create nutrient rich free draining soil and has a number of garden uses.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR COMPOST BIN?
You can compost pretty much any green waste or organic matter. A good rule of thumb is that if it grew from the ground you can compost it! Vegetation, cut back plants, veg peelings, lawn clippings, small twigs, leaves, pond weed etc can all be composted. The smaller the items are the quicker they will compost. I usually mix in some shredded newspaper and cardboard as well to help prevent compost from getting too nitrogen rich and soggy.
Items that you must not compost:
Pet droppings
Meat, fish, eggs or animal products
Plastics
Hair (yuk!)
Liquids
The right mix of carbon and nitrogen-rich greens is essential!
The age old gardeners dilemma about the mix of nitrogen to carbon in your compost bin. Basically, you need to get the right mix of nitrogen (sometimes called greens) and carbon (sometimes called browns). To confuse things many plants contain both. Ie grass has both carbon and nitrogen in it (20:1).
The RHS recommend a ratio of 30:1. Which is 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. Grass, for example, has 20 parts carbon to every 1 part nitrogen. This ratio used to really confuse me and I’ve found an easier way to compost.
If you’re new to composting start by adding half greens to half browns. Ignore the ratio and go with your inner mother earth. Keep an eye on your compost heap, if it starts to smell, add more brown if it’s going soggy, more brown if it is dry and doing nothing add more green! Soon you will be the compost king or queen.
WHY IS MY COMPOST SMELLY AND SOGGY?
This is a common problem for new composters where their compost heap starts to smell and look worse for wear. 99% of the time it is because of an overload of moisture rich greens. The ammonia which breaks down the green waste super quickly gives off the smell of rotting eggs. Which is horrible. See the example below. This grass clipping pile had been left without aeration or enough browns.
By turning your heap, making sure it’s neither totally sodden or dry and having a mix of browns and greens you can’t go wrong. A well-balanced compost should smell of earth and nothing more. If it’s really wet and smelly then I recommend adding shredded newspaper and cardboard to help absorb the moisture and add some carbon quickly.
Many people use compost for pots and containers as its super nutrient rich, moisture retentive and helps feel these plants throughout the season. The options with compost are endless.
Home made compost is far better in my opinions than shop bought compost. It has a richer texture and you can use it as soon as it’s ready. Shop bought compost may have been in storage for some time and will have degraded by the time you get it. Sometimes you buy it and it’s really dry and crumbly and a grey-brown colour. This is usually when its past it’s best. it should be a dark rich colour and slightly moist.
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nice to see an energetic funky young person making clear well explained practical gardening videos - great role model to get young ones into doing this stuff.
Thanks so much Rachel! Glad that my video guides are helpful! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🤘
I've wasted days of my life looking for a simple, well explained method for building some new compost bins since we moved. You, wonderful person, made the exact video I needed. Thank you!!!
Perfect!! Thanks so much what a great comment to receive. Glad it’s helpful. Make sure you subscribe for even more garden design hints, tips and hacks! Happy gardening. Lee
I think it's great that you showed the details of building this style compost bin. You didn't assume everyone could just figure it out. Some folks are great gardeners but have no experience building and you recognized that.
Thanks Love music. Well I always try to create guides and my blog from a point of covering all bases. Whether you’re a newbie or expert. Showing all the steps means everyone is (hopefully) assisted! Happy Gardening. 😀
I built this yesterday and not only do I have a two door compost bin, I have a sense of pride that I created something that should be standing there for years to come. Thank you for the easy-to-follow guide, I highly recommend this video. Now for the hard part... making usable compost.
Hey Peter Wehmeier what a great bit of lock down feedback. So glad you’ve got a real sense of achievement. Compost can be a bit hit and miss. So don’t aim for perfect aim for whatever your bins provide!!! Sometimes I still get the mix a bit wrong. When it’s back and non stinky it’s ready!! Happy Gardening! Lee
I've spent 3 days researching methods of construction for bins and this by far is the best and most complete it's not at all complicated great design and cost effective. Thankyou Sir
You’re welcome David. Cheers for the feedback. Glad it’s useful for you. Now you can crack on making awesome compost!!! Happy Gardening. Lee
I'm so glad I found your video today. I got my pallets and am going to do exactly as you did. I didn't think about the chicken wire inside! Brilliant!!
Thanks Carrie. So glad my contents helpful. Glad you’ve subscribed and make sure you checkout my blog where there’s hundreds more free gardening guides and a lovely forum for questions and answers! www.gardenninja.co.uk 🥷🌿🤘
I like that you use a hand saw! And that advice about the corner screw is very much going to help me out so thank you!!!!
Thanks for the tutorial. I am going to make this on Saturday. I hope it looks as good as yours !
Must be nice to have “new” pallets all exactly the same size. Good for you! Nice video.
Hi Don! Well you can buy them in so they are uniform if you want to or use them as you find them. Either way the results the same! Happy composting. 🥷🌿🤘
Wow that really came out nice!!!
Loved everything about this video
I’m from the States thank you! Nice video!
Great video. My wife and I put together a two bin setup yesterday. Need to find a couple more pallets for the doors and will need to do a bit of leveling work before attaching the doors. I only went 1/2 way up with the chicken wire but after watching this vid may rethink that and finish off the top. We live in a rural area in a township and have opossums, a few raccoons and plenty of field mice but I don't expect much trouble from them. Thanks for taking the time to post ths vid. Best one by far ,
Thanks Kirk Welch glad it’s helped you. Yes I’d chicken wire to the top. Helps keep everything in the bin. As for any pests or critters. You can always use a tarp and some bricks on top. Let me know how you get on! You can always post your pics on my twitter or Facebook feeds. Happy gardening! Lee
Agree!!!
Brilliant. Thank you, Ninja. I have just taken on an overgrown allotment plot. Your advice will prove invaluable. And oh, you are so cute!
Flattery will get you everywhere, in terms of gardening advice! ;-) So glad you have found the video useful. More video guides to follow so make sure you subscribe! Take it easy! Lee
Thanks, Lee. I have subscribed and am looking forward to seeing more of you. Er, your vids, I mean. xxx
Might i suggest using a drill for the screws to save huge amounts of time and effort, but good simple ideas though.
honestly good video. I feel the amount of effort put into it and you're a small channel also. Keep up the good work and thanks for the door tip. It's going to make using the wheelbarrow much easier
Thanks SuperPenguin! I try to be as comprehensive as I can, to encourage people to garden. I remember how confusing it can seem when you start. Spreading the love of gardening one viewer at a time! Check back soon for more how-to guides and Garden Ninja updates. Lee
Use U-post and secure first and last side palettes compost get heavy when is wet.Also you need a metal roof so you can control the moisture of compost. Great build, great channel 👍
Thanks so much. That was very informative.
You’re welcome Jon! Glad you’ve found it useful. Make sure you subscribe for over a hundred garden design hints tips and hacks! Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿
Hello Garden Ninja, thank you for the useful video.
C you’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Please check out my other videos and subscribe if you want to watch more! Lee
by far the best video!
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you’ve found my guide helpful. Make sure you subscribe for all my latest gardening guides! Happy Gardening!
Really helpful I have two dalek bins I find them so difficulty turn etc so my hubby and I plan to make a pallet compost and use daleks to store finished compost in. Really helpful video. Thanks.
Tracey Pye glad it’s of help. What a good idea to use them for storage rather than composting!! 👍
Love your work!
Thanks Only In Blacktown 🤘
Brilliant x
Thanks for sharing!
Now a days compost are very important for the presentation of lands for gardening or farming. So, we are to take all necessary measures to do.
Thanks for your video that you have posted. I liked your video and want to be connected for your future videos.
Wish You Happy New Year.
Hi Veteran Vlogger. Good to hear from you. Yes compost really is the gold dust of the gardening world. Helping recycle, close the loop and encourage beneficial bacteria to our soils! Make sure you subscribe to access the other 150 or so guides I’ve created to date! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🤘🌿
Subscribed today. keep it up!
Welcome aboard! Make sure you also check out my blog for hundreds of free gardening guides www.gardenninja.co.uk 🥷🤘🌿
Well done 👍👍
Thanks Paque!
Fantastic thank you!
Sonia Finch glad you liked the guide! More to come soon! Lee
Very thorough.
Thanks Ronald. Make sure you subscribe for even more how to gardening guides. Happy gardening! Lee
I appreciate that the compost heap must be in contact with the soil but I have found that pallets decay rather quickly when left on wet ground. I think I'll put a row of bricks on the perimeter under the pallets to keep them raised from the ground and hopefully more dry. A part from that, very helpful tips. Only I'll have to find smaller pallets because I don't have all that space in my garden.
Pat Pezzi thanks. You can get all sorts of different sizes in pallets. Bricks would be a good idea if you’re worried about rotting. I’ve had palette compost heaps for 5 plus years with no rot but I’ve only had them on free draining soil. Do let me know how you get on! Happy gardening! Lee
Great video. Thank you 😁
You’re welcome Joh. Make sure you subscribe for more guides. Happy gardening! Lee
Excellent video thanks! I watched a few, and like how you go into detail of the different steps of the building process without taking too much time. One thing I'm wondering about: why would I want to create a door? I saw this in your video and a few others so it must really have an advantage over just a (short) wall on the front. The way I see it, a fourth wall is easier, cheaper and creates a more rigid construction. The compost doesn't fall out when you open the door, and as long as the front is not too high it's pretty easy to throw or shovel in the material and shovel out the compost. What am I missing?
Hi Jessica. The doors really optional. Some people like having it to keep their compost in. Especially if they shred their material so it’s fine. Others don’t bother. So it’s entirely upto you. A forth wall will keep in more heat but does mean you moving and lifting it each time you want to access or turn your compost which may become a pain in the backside over time. All the best and happy gardening. Lee
Interestingly, after telling us to put the 'top' of the pallet facing inwards, he attaches the 'door' with the top facing outwards.
Very clever
Thanks Penelope!
Suggestion, always position your compost bins on your property so that you can mow completely around it.
Nowadays you don’t have to use a pre-drill because there are self tapping screws that will keep the wood from splitting so it saves you that extra step
Hi Donna. Great additional tips! One thing I would say with pallets is that sometimes those self tapping screws can split their brittle wood on thinner parts. That’s why I always order I’ll to stop damage. Obviously you can trial and error it for speed! 🥷🌿🤘 Happy gardening!
Nice just got 6 pallets I'll try my best
thanks !!!!
I enjoyed your vid and so I started building a twin compost bin on my allotment and noticed that 4 pallets for the first and 3 for the second works,as you have one over to cut in half for the door.
But for every next double bin you still need 4+3 pallets otherwise you don't have enough for the doors.
At the join between bays you need two pallets otherwise the width of the bay does not match the length of the pallet for the doors.
Also,if you require a higher door you would need 4 pallets for every Bay.
I think this is correct as I have been scratching my head trying to work it out!
jim riel thanks for the feedback. Yes you’re right and it depends on how many doors. Heights of doors. Set up and so forth. Combinations can be mind boggling. I would always advise using a piece of paper first to count out your pallets and doors. I only went for two doors which actually are a bit of a hindrance the amount of times I need to open and shut them. Hope that helps and thanks for the extra detail for the wider Garden Ninja gang! Lee
How do you mean? Surely the first bay takes four, but the second bay will only take 3 if you use the wall from the first one as a wall for the second?
Nice channel, just subscribed :)
Thanks Gone Potty! :-)
Dude. I haven’t seen a Hole tshirt in years.
I thought it fitting for a grungy compost bin! Do love a bit of Courtney’s 90s angst! 🥷🤘🌿
With all this beautiful weather in the U.K. Why not get out into the garden and get composting?
I like your shirt!
Joseph Zimmer thanks! I love a bit of a Courtney Love. She’s my spirit animal!! 😜😂
great if you have a lot of space!
Reminds me of Jim Carey in that one movie with all those animals. Btw thanks for the video!! 😉
Just wonder does it need to but be a Shade area in the yard
Hi Carlton. Ideally you don’t want it in fully sun. Only because the chance of it drying out is high. Not to say you can’t make compost on a fully exposed site but you may need to water it to keep it damp. So if you have a preference somewhere in at least part shade is better. Happy composting! Lee 🥷🌿🤘
@@Gardenninja ty r the question it help
nice video! some questions
1. did you put a lid?
2. how do you prevent rats from getting in?
Thanks Dalia. I don’t use a lid some people do if it’s in a really wet spot and to keep heat in. I find I don’t need to. You could use a tarpaulin if need be. As for rats I’ve never had an issue with them. They maybe there but I never see them. Everything in balance. Don’t put meat or cheese in there just veg and clippings. Usually rats will go elsewhere ie bin raiding! Hope that helps. Lee
Garden Ninja Ltd to
I fuckin LOVE your T-shirt! I don't care that I catch a lot of hell for it, but I've ALWAYS had a thing for Courtney Love.
Haha I’ve always had a soft spot for her and her music. She’s a marmite character but I find her fascinating! 🥷🤘🌿
Hi Lee, I'm loving the videos - sorry if this is awks but you're adorable. Found you when searching for info on making a green roof for my shed and loving your content. I've just taken on an allotment which has a few pallets strewn about so am hoping to make a double compost store this weekend. Then a green roof shed! What length of decking screws would you recommend for the pallet compost bin project? I've seen 76mm and 100mm but not sure which to order. Many thanks in advance. Liz
Thanks so much Liz! I’m blushing!!! I would imagine 76mm would be sufficient. But double check with the depth of your pallets when put together. Hope that helps! Happy allotmenting!! Lee 🥷🌿
Sorry, the last thing you need is being fawned over by housewives 🤣 I think it was the Hole t-shirt that made me come over all teenagery. Yep, good call to check the pallets. Makes sense 👍
I don’t mind being doll parts every now and then!!! 😜🤘🥷🌿
Wow what a huge garden. Somebody has money! 🌱
Dang, so I can't get those blue pallets behind my Walmart? Awesome video btw
Cheers T S. Probably not unless you want all sorts leaching out into your compost and then produce! Better to be safe than sorry! Happy Gardening. Lee
I'm excited to build my first compost bins! My excitement waned a little when I saw how many different sizes and types of corner braces/brackets and hinges there were at the store.
Yours didn't look too small or too large, but I'm still a bit uncertain as to which ones to buy.
Could you specify or even give a range of acceptable sizes for both?
If I remember correctly I used slightly large pallets at 1.2m but I think standard 1m ones are fine. Good look with your compost bins. Happy Gardening. Lee
@@Gardenninja You didn't answer the question. I would have liked to have seen a close up of the hook and eye latches you used.
I have found a blue coloured and don't know if I can use it, help please?
Hey Daxa. I’m not sure what you mean unless it’s a blue pallet. Depends what it’s been painted with? I’d always double check. Maybe see if there’s any markings on it to help guide you. All the best. Lee
Prob a stupid question but what type of staples do I use?
Steven no such thing as a stupid question. Heavy duty staples ones for wood and furniture making. Hope that helps! Lee
@@Gardenninja cheers bud, will make it this weekend
Hi Lee, quick question! I've got loads of pallets that arent stamped with anything... are they best avoided? Thanks :)
Hi Anna. This is a great question. Some pallets are treated with insecticide for transport reasons as they are used in freight. They’re usually labelled with codes. Here in the UK we prefer to use heat treated pallets which are marked with HT. Some are treated with Methyl Bromide which is pretty nasty stuff. There’s no clear guidance on how long it takes for this insecticide to break down. So I’d air on the side of caution and only use pallets that have the right code on to be safe. Hope that helps. Lee
@@Gardenninja I will get hunting for some more with HT on them (I have 1 so far!! Ha) thank you so much! 😊
@@annatedesco129 Anna. Pallets that arnt stamped are made in your country and dont need to be stamped because they have'nt crossed a border and therefore dont need to be treated. Pallets are only treated when they have to cross borders to stop pests. If they are stamped HT they're fine to use If they are stamped MB they have been treated with a chemical and shoud not be used. Sounds like yours were'nt treated so they should be fine to use
@@johnswan6759 oooh now does this apply to portugal then, so if not stamp it was made here and will be fine?
@@SharmilaCogger yes. Part of th EU so I think thats the deal
Do the compost bins have to be huge like yours or can I scale it down?
Lisa Borsch great question they can be any size you like! I’ve made them 50cmx50cm in small gardens. Obviously the smaller they are the less heat and slower they are to compost. However they will still work. In smaller bins it’s actually easier to then so can be a benefit!! Give it a go! Happy Gardening. Lee
@@Gardenninja my garden won't be big. I'm composting, because I have chickens, a duck, and a turkey. I don't have a lot of space to work with. I've decided to make a compost bench.
I used to keep chickens. Great garden addition for their personalities, eggs and manure!! Sounds like a really innovative project! Good luck with it! 😊
Do they need a roof?
Hi Bilpat. You can add a roof if you need. It can help stop the compost getting too wet or dry as it adds a layer of protection but I leave mine open as I’m always using them! 🥷🌿🤘 Happy composting. Lee
@@Gardenninja thank you very much !!!!!
Should have hung the door so that the face of the pallet was inside, the same as the sides and back !
Good effort, but first door is the wrong way around - should have slats on the inside!
does it need a lid to stop rain saturating the compost?
Daisy Mermaid you can do if you live somewhere really wet. I tend to put a tarp over mine when it’s really wet then peel back in sunnier weathers! Hope that helps! Lee
Woodprix has very good and accurate plans.
Thank for video but I couldn’t quite get how the 2nd bin, using the 1st bin wall, work with how the hook and eye was fixed. I wasn’t able to see that bit as you were standing in front of it. Could you post a close up pic of the where the 2 are joined at the hook and eye level please?
Hi Del. My blog guide maybe more helpful for you to see. You can view it here with pics. Happy gardening! www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-make-a-compost-bin-from-pallets/
Garden Ninja Ltd - I can see that the hook and eye is fitted to inside of frame - thank you
Del Smith you’re welcome! Happy Gardening.
Amazing diy video for building a bin but what about rats? I want to build one but I'm afraid it'll attract rats and i know my neighbors won't be happy with that.
Kidane Collins thanks for your kind comments. Rats and pests are a fair point. If you’re hot composting larger amounts like the bins I’ve made I never have a problem. It’s too warm usually. Material breaks down really quickly. That and weekly turning. I have heard of people in residential areas finding rats in compost bins. This is usually in cold darlek style bins and where meat or large chunks of food such as bread have been put in. Rats are more attracted to these than say dead flower stalks or lettuce scraps! Obviously you will know your area- and neighbours- best. The worst I’ve ever found in my bins was a nest of field mice! All the best. Lee
Garden Ninja Ltd thank you man. Keep up the good work.
Just lash the pallets together with strong string and untie to access the finished pile.
Drilling and screws too much bother.
- and way too much money spent on fancy latches and shit. Just learn how to tie a Reef Knot.
Great instructional video, but please let me know the hairdresser you use - so I can avoid them! (Only joking!)
Hahaha I use a lawn mower to cut my own hair. 🤣
He looks same as a cartoon
Tin-Tin. :)
You betcha! He’s my childhood hero! That and Stevie Nicks. Hehe. 🤘
@@Gardenninja - He's my hubby's favourite too - has all the books.
A man of good taste! 👍😊🤘
I need a translator
SO come on so come on im al4rady there Ant. Its nice to see, Ant Mcpartlin getting his hands dirty good man! .