SRL The Self-Reliance Library
C02.S1.N04

The Self-Reliance Library · Food Cultivation

COMPOST BIN

Soil Building Field Guide

Build a simple outdoor bin that turns garden waste and kitchen scraps into soil material.

Core rule: compost needs browns, greens, air, and moisture. Bad smell means too wet, too packed, or too much fresh food exposed.

1 Bin Cutaway

browns greens browns air soil contact

Loose layers, side gaps, and soil contact help the pile breathe and drain.

2 Browns + Greens

browns greens dry leaves straw cardboard scraps coffee fresh plants

Use browns to cover greens. If the pile smells, add more dry browns.

3 Moisture + Airflow

damp, not soaked air in turn pile

The pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Turn it when it packs down.

4 Do This / Avoid This

Do this

  • Cover scraps.
  • Keep it damp.
  • Turn for air.
  • Use dry browns.

Avoid this

  • Meat or grease.
  • Pet waste.
  • Sealed wet pile.
  • Treated wood.

5 Build Steps

  1. Choose level soil.
  2. Build breathable sides.
  3. Leave a turning access.
  4. Start with browns.
  1. Add greens thinly.
  2. Cover scraps with browns.
  3. Keep damp and turn.
  4. Cure before garden use.