Compost Bin

[King XII]

Its one of the best thread in the forum
really amazing

[alp12ha]

Compost Bins Gardening Imagine how your lawn and garden would benefit from unlimited amounts of free organic fertilizer.

[gumbo2176]

I simply put 3 pallets together for a simple compost bin. You can get pallets free of charge at most lumber yards or "big box" stores. I put one on the rear and fasten 1 on each side with long screws or nails then put a piece of 1x4 across the front at the top to keep it from spreading. I have 2 of those right now----1 for new compost and 1 for stuff that is done but not quite needed just yet. Each bin is approximately 4 ft. tall by 3 1/2 ft. wide and deep.

When they finally fall apart after a few years, simply get more pallets and make more for free.

[etrader12]

Personally I used to be a chemist working in food migration and I'd stay well away from styrofoam in your garden, but don't take my word for it.

See the txt below from David M Bryant Ph D, University of New Hampshire, Environmental Education Program

---

>>I've read this thread with some consternation as a soil scientist.
>>>I know this may sound like recycling of styrofoam but it's really
>>>putting xenobiotics (highly recalcitrant synthetics) into the
>>>soil. I'm not really sure if it would meet your other goal
>>>either. While quantitatively decreasing soil bulk density, as
>>>does soil organic matter (SOM) I doubt that it provides any of the
>>>other benefits of SOM. Styrofoam is a closed cell material, so
>>>even with a high surface area (internally and externally) I doubt
>>>that soil solution or nutrients can interact with these surfaces
>>>to provide cation/anion exchange or enhance soil aeration as the
>>>cells are generally filled with a synthetic gas (previously these
>>>were CFCs).
>>>
>>>Also, there is increasing evidence that plastics release synthetic
>>>compounds, the effects of some are known others unknown.
>>>Moreover, organic chemistry of the SOM and plastics degradation
>>>are not well understood.
>>>
>>>If you have any data or literature on these questions I would be
>>>very interested. In lieu of any evidence of benefits/hazards I
>>>would strongly advise against the practice.
>>>
>>>David
>>>
>>>David M Bryant Ph D
>>>University of New Hampshire
>>>Environmental Education Program
>>>Durham, NH 03824

---

I am also a chemist - styrofoam has no place in the compost bin of any garden, it should be recycled in the weekly rubbish.

[maryjones2]

All those can decompose and in the long last you have your compost ready. Those are just decomposing agents and thus you need not to worry. The problem is that they can attract rodents and also gush out an owful smell. try to keep your bin away from your house.