How to... build a compost bin

Keep your plants, and your local landfill site, happy by making your own compost bin

You can't beat the satisfaction of turning kitchen and garden waste, into rich, crumbly compost that will make your plants and crops thrive. Here's how to make your own compost bin.

Step 1

Clear the area where you're going to put the compost bin and, if necessary, level the ground using a spade or a rake.

Step 2

Take a pallet and stand it on its long edge to form the back edge of the compost bin. Push a stake through the two layers of the pallet at either end, using a sledgehammer to drive them firmly about 20-30cm into the ground.

Step 3

Position the remaining two pallets at right angles to the first to make the sides, butting the corners tightly together to stop compost spilling through the gaps. Fix in place with stakes in each corner, as in step 2.

Step 4

To keep the structure stable, wire the pallets together at each corner. Trim the tops of the stakes with a bow saw.

Step 5

Wire the last pallet onto the front of the right side pallet to make a gate - you'll need to open it when you want to get to the compost - and start filling your bin with garden and kitchen waste.

This feature originally appeared on the Gardeners' World website.

For more great gardening tips and advice, visit the How to section at www.gardenersworld.com