My own homemade compost bin is easy to assemble and disassemble and works with whatever size compost pile I have at a given time. It is made of rough-sawn 1×12 hemlock boards, each 5 feet long. I cut the corners from both ends of the boards to create tabs. To keep the boards in place when they are stacked in a bin, I make the tabs into notches by screwing a foot-long 1-inch by 3-inch piece of wood across the end of each board. I make the notch slightly wider than the width of the boards to allow for some movement.

The finished boards stack tier upon tier, like Lincoln Logs. To assemble the bin, I place two boards on the ground parallel to each other. Then I slide two more boards into the notches to form a square. Each time I use a board, I put the opposite side inward; consequently, the boards have remained serviceable even after 10 years. A short piece of scrap wood held by a stake fills in the 6-inch gap at the bottom of the two sides where the boards are held above the ground.

Creating the notches

Cut the corners out of each board to create tabs at both ends. Then screw a foot-long piece of 1×3 board across the end of each tab to create a notched end. The notches will keep the boards in place when stacked.

Assembling the bin

The boards that form the sides of the bin stack like Lincoln Logs.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Greenworks 40V 14" Chainsaw, 2.5Ah USB Battery and Charger Included

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

14'' CHAIN AND BAR : great performance for tree cutting and get up to 75 cuts on 4x4 lumber on a single charge. TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY: 2 x more torque. Provides more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life. AUTOMATIC OILER: delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity. EASY ADJUST TENSIONING: for easy bar and chain maintenance. EASY TO USE : push button start, no gas or fumes, no carburetor, no spark plug, and no starter rope WHAT IS INCLUDED: 40V 14-Inch chainsaw, scabbard, 2.5 Ah batteries, fast charger, operator's manual.

Buy at Amazon

DeWit Spork with Solid Socket

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Dimensions: 46" L x 2.5" W x 6" H; 3.5 lbs. Combines the features of a spade and fork - patented design. Ventilated head slides through the soil with less friction. The boron steel blade will not bend, even with heavy-duty use.

Buy at Amazon

Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners General Purpose Medium

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Size (approx.): Width 2.2 x Depth 0.8 x Height 7.9 inches (5.5 x 2 x 20) Weight: Approx. 8.1 oz (230 g). Material: Steel. Made in Japan. The blade part is made of high grade blade steel. Vinyl coated handle for non-slip grip. Fits fruit tree selection.

Buy at Amazon