#DIY: Build a compost from scrap wood.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Why don’t you try building your own compost! We built two composts one for the cottage (shown in the photos) and one for our studio in the city. We are now composting everything from coffee grinds and veggies to our scrap fabric (natural fibres only)!

1. Find some old wood. We used an old set of stairs that we found in the woods. 

2. Dismantle the stairs with a chainsaw, sludge hammer or hand saw. We used all three!

4. Figure out the dimensions you want your compost to be. Ours is 4’ x 4’ and 4’ high. This size will most likely provide you with enough space to compost all organic food scraps for a year (if not you can always start another one).

5.Once you have your dimensions start by making one of four sides. You will need a top and a bottom plank going horizontally and about four boards (spaced evenly) going vertically each about 20cm in width.  

6. Repeat step 5 until you have four sides to your composter.

Note: it is good to have lots of gaps/holes in the sides of your composter so that there is lots of air flow and and room for bugs/worms to come and go as they please. However, you do not what your gaps to be large enough that pesky vermin can get at you rotting food. Once raccoons, rats and even stray dogs know where they can find a fresh supply of food scraps they are likely to stick around. 

7. In order to avoid unwanted critters fill the gaps that are too large with fallen branches. This is also give your composter a more natural look.

8. Place your composter in a spot that is easily accessible but not too close to the house that flies and bugs will wander inside. Ideally you want it to be in a sunny area, as the heat will speed up the composting process. 

9. Lastly, fill your composter with any uncooked organic matter. It is best to have an equal Nitrogen (fresh vegetable scraps) to carbon (dead leaves) balance. After about a year or two you will have fresh organic soil for your garden!