When it comes to maintaining an ecologically sound garden, nothing beats compost. A mixture of decayed organic matter that’s high in nutrients, compost is one of nature’s best mulches and soil amendments. Garden centers sell high-quality compost for as much as $100 a cubic yard, but why pay for it when you can make it for free? To make compost, you’ll need a bin to serve as a receptacle for the organic ingredients as they decompose. Rather than settle for an ugly, nailedtogether contraption of chicken wire and garden stakes that detracts from the natural beauty of your garden, you can build an attractive bin that complements your landscape. After a day’s labor with a few basic power tools such as a drill and a circular saw, you’ll be the envy of your neighborhood gardening enthusiasts.
Build the panels
Start construction by cutting the 4x8 lattice sheets and the 1x2 lattice support strips to the sizes indicated in the cutting list (p. 48); then use 2in. stainless steel ringshank nails to fasten the support strips to the top and bottom ends of the lattice sections (photo 1, opposite). If you choose to use cedar lattice and lumber (which is an ideal material because of its rot resistance) as I did, drill pilot holes before driving any screws or nails whenever possible, as cedar has a tendency to split.
Cut the 2x4 rails and stiles for the frontgate, toplid, sidepanel and backpanel frames to length. Temporarily clamp the individual pieces together as shown in the illustration and toescrew the rails and stiles together using 4in. coated deck screws (photo 2); then use 2in. stainless steel wood screws to fasten the assembled lattice panels to the inner faces of the 2x4 frames (photo 3). Finally, use staples to attach galvanized or stainless steel screening to the inside of the panels (see “Dealing With Decomposition,” below).
Craft the posts
After cutting the 6x6 posts to length, you’ll need to create the 13/4in.wide x 2in.deep channels for the front sliding gate. Start by setting the cut depth of your circular saw to 2 in. Make repeated passes spaced 1/8 in. apart down the face of the posts until you’ve spanned the required 13/4in. width; then use a hammer and a sharp chisel to clean out the waste (photo 4). If you have a table saw, the process is even easier: Simply set the blade height to 2 in., make the first pass and readjust the fence by 1/8 in.; then make repeated passes until the channel is clear.
Assemble the parts
Fasten the three sides together with 10in. lag screws (photo 5). Use a 1/2in.dia. spade bit to drill pilot holes through the posts and into the 2x4 frames; then drive the lag screws into place so that their heads are flush with the posts.
Toe-screw the stretchers in place across the top and bottom of the front opening. Attach 2x6 strengtheners flush with the tops of the bin’s sides. Screw the 2x4 lid supports 11/2 in. down from the top edges of the sides (photo 6); then set the lid on top of the supports and attach the hinges. Drill a 3/4in.dia. hole through the front post and into the front gate channel for the 5/8in.dia. gate prop. Drop the front gate into its channels, screw the decorative wooden balls onto the tops of each of the four posts (photo 7), fasten the lid and frontgate handles and you’ll be ready to start creating your own free, recycled top-grade planting material.
Dealing with Decomposition
One of my coworkers has a compost bin that’s less than 10 years old and the screening has already rusted through. To prevent that from happening to yours, use galvanized or stainless steel screening. It’s more expensive, but it will hold up to the harsh nature of the decomposing compost far better than standard screen material. And don’t make the mistake of attaching the screening with ordinary steel staples, as they will quickly rust. Instead, use Monel staples, which are about 66 percent nickel and 33 percent copper.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: The lattice support strips serve two purposes: They provide lateral stability to the lattice sections and a mounting point for fastening the lattice to the 2x4 framework.
Step 2: Use 4-in. coated deck screws to toe-screw the 2x4 frames together. Countersink the heads so that the assembled frames can sit flush against the 6x6 posts.
Step 3: To fasten the lattice panels to the frames, drive 2-in. stainless steel screws through the lattice support strips and into the inner faces of the 2x4 rails.
Step 4: After making repeated passes with a circular saw, use a hammer and chisel to remove the waste from within the front gate channels.
Step 5: To hold the three sides together, first drill pilot holes and then drive10-in. lag screws through the 6x6 posts and into the 2x4 frames.
Step 6: Fasten the lid supports to the inside faces of the compost bin’s sides; then set the lid on the supports and fasten it to the back with hinges.
Step 7: After drilling a pilot hole in the center of each of the 6x6 posts, attach the finials.