Making an Inexpensive Compost Bin

For years I have had a compost pile, knowing that it really doesn't break down well but I didn't think I could afford a real compost bin and I felt guilty if I threw potato peelings, egg shells and coffee grounds in the trash. By fall, I'd have a nice-size pile of very slowly breaking down peelings, shells and grounds.

I simply couldn't see frugal me spending my hard-earned money on the ones in gardening centers or growers catalogs, so I began to rack my brain for another solution. I'm a lot like my mother used to be--creative as all get out when I need to solve a problem inexpensively. I looked around my garage and house and then the idea hit me. I got to work immediately.

I had an empty dark green tote with a tight fitting cover in my storage room and as soon as I saw it, I saw the possibilities.  Out to the garage I went with tote in hand. Here's what I did:

I drilled four small holes in the lid of the tote and a dozen small holes in the bottom for drainage.  Then I found a drill bit that is made for cutting larger holes; in this case it looked to be about 3/4 inch round. I drilled several holes in all sides and I was done. I liked that it was green because it will not be quite so obvious once the leaves come on.

I put it beside my compost pile and will add the old stuff along with the new stuff as I go. All I have to do is stir it up every week with a pitchfork. Am I a genius or what?