{"id":9111,"date":"2019-09-24T07:53:23","date_gmt":"2019-09-23T21:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=9111"},"modified":"2024-03-28T12:30:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T02:30:35","slug":"diy-milk-crate-composter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/2019\/09\/24\/diy-milk-crate-composter\/","title":{"rendered":"DIY Milk Crate Composter: Save Money in 9 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"If<\/a>
If you’re into gardening, here’s another compost bin idea to add to the ever-growing list.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Serious gardeners often make their own compost. While it\u2019s easy to buy compost from the store, there\u2019s something satisfying about making your milk crate composter<\/strong>. It\u2019s inexpensive and you know which mixture works best on your plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are a lot of DIY compost bins projects that you can easily use. For example, there are those made from wooden pallets, cinder blocks, bricks, cardboard boxes, and straw bales. To add to this list, you can also use milk crates for composting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re an avid gardener and you already have milk crates at home, this project is for you. It\u2019s an inexpensive project that you\u2019ll surely appreciate. Plus, it\u2019s easy to make, too.  Gather up your tools and materials and start working!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building a Milk Crate Composter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • milk crates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • mesh\/screen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • newspaper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • weed barrier fabric<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • wood<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • old drawer handles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • organic waste<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • varnish<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • old mosquito net (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • scissors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • hand drill<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • saw<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • rag<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • paint<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Instructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Step 1: Prepare the Milk Crates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • If your milk crates have large openings, use the mesh or screen to cover them. This will prevent compost material from falling out. Cut the mesh to size with scissors and attach it to the inside of the crate using a hand drill and small screws or zip ties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Step 2: Add a Base<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • Measure and cut a piece of wood to fit the bottom of a milk crate. This will serve as a sturdy base and help contain the compost. Drill holes in the wood base for drainage and attach it to the bottom of the crate with screws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Step 3: Apply Varnish<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • To protect the wood base from moisture and decay, apply varnish using a rag. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Step 4: Prepare the Lid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Cut another piece of wood to fit the top of the milk crate for a lid. Drill a hole in the center and attach an old drawer handle for easy opening. If you choose, paint the lid to match your garden decor. Allow the paint to dry completely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Step 5: Line with Newspaper<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Line the bottom of the crate with a few layers of newspaper. This will help absorb excess moisture and keep the compost in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Step 6: Add Weed Barrier Fabric<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Cut a piece of weed barrier fabric to fit inside the milk crate on top of the newspaper. This layer will help retain moisture and prevent small compost particles from escaping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Step 7: Start Composting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Begin filling your composter with organic waste. Layer your kitchen scraps with yard waste, alternating between green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. For optimal composting, maintain a balance of roughly 2:1, brown to green.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Step 8: Cover and Place<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Once you’ve added your initial compost materials, cover the crate with your prepared lid. Place your milk crate composter in a sunny or partially shaded spot in your garden where it can get adequate air flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Step 9: Maintenance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Every week, turn the compost with a garden fork to aerate it, which speeds up the decomposition process. If the compost seems dry, sprinkle water to maintain moisture. Your compost can be used for your garden within six months or early if the season is humid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                        Watch this video to get a visual instruction on making your milk crate composter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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