{"id":4018419,"date":"2022-08-09T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/?p=4018419"},"modified":"2022-08-09T03:28:17","modified_gmt":"2022-08-09T08:28:17","slug":"does-a-compost-bin-need-drainage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/does-a-compost-bin-need-drainage\/","title":{"rendered":"Does a Compost Bin Need Drainage?"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the common questions asked by those who would like to start composting is if a compost bin needs drainage. There is a wide array of compost bin sizes that you can choose from and you can even make one at home using different materials. You might notice some compost bins have holes for drainage while others do not. So does a compost bin need drainage? We will discuss the answer below.<\/p>\n

Does a compost bin need drainage? If your compost is located outdoors and does not have a lid, water can seep into it so it must have drainage. Moreover, you need to add water into the bin during the summer season so that the compost will not dry. To avoid overwatering, it should have the right drainage. Take note that compost needs to be moist but not dripping wet to provide the best benefits for the plants.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When making a compost bin, make sure that it has proper drainage. Place the compost in well-draining sand, gravel, or soil. Do I need to put holes in my compost bin? Should compost bins have a base? How do you add drainage to a compost bin? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and information.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels\"Opens<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Does My Compost Bin Need To Be Airtight?<\/h2>\n

The compost bin does not have to be airtight. If it is airtight, there will be anaerobic conditions inside the bin which is not ideal for composting.<\/strong> Proper ventilation is important in composting and without it; organic matter will not decompose well. Aerobes<\/a> are bacteria that are important in composting. For this type of bacteria to survive, the air is important.<\/p>\n

Do You Need to Add Holes to Your Compost Bin?<\/h2>\n

You need to add holes to your compost bin for proper drainage and ventilation. Too much humidity is bad for the compost bin because it can lessen its efficiency.<\/strong> To prevent moisture from building up inside the compost bin, you need to add drain holes.<\/p>\n

Why is there a Bad Smell Coming from My Compost Bin?<\/h2>\n

If there is a bad smell coming from your compost bin, it means that the compost pile is too wet. This can be the result of various factors like too much water and not enough ventilation.<\/strong> Ventilation is very important in a compost bin because without it, it can become rancid and stagnant. To solve this issue, you need to add some fast-decomposing material<\/a> such as chimney ash.<\/p>\n

Why is There Too Much Water in My Compost Bin?<\/h2>\n

Too much water in the compost bin means that it does not have proper. Make sure not to overwater your compost. It should be moist but not dripping wet.<\/strong> Too much water is a common problem for compost bins that are open and located outdoors. During the rainy season, make sure to cover the bin and there should be proper drainage so that water will not get stuck inside.<\/p>\n

Why Are There Holes in a Compost Bin?<\/h2>\n

There are holes in a compost bin because it plays an important role when it comes to oxygen, drainage, and ventilation. Holes are added at the bottom to control the water level.<\/strong> If you are planning to make your compost bin, make sure that there are enough holes for oxygen and drainage.<\/p>\n

What is the Proper Amount of Ventilation for a Compost Bin?<\/h2>\n

The proper amount of ventilation for the compost bin will have to depend on the moisture level inside it.<\/strong> Take note that while compost bins have holes to adjust and maintain the environment inside them, it still requires the proper amount of ventilation to thrive. To make sure that the compost bin has proper ventilation, you need to check it regularly.<\/p>\n

During the summer season, the moisture inside the bin can evaporate through the holes. If this is the case, you need to add more water to it. On the other hand, during the winter or rainy season, the compost bin will need more drainage and ventilation to avoid moisture. We have also shared this article titled, do compost bins need holes in the bottom<\/a>? You can check out the article for more tips and information.<\/p>\n

How Much Water Should You Add to the Compost Bin?<\/h2>\n

The amount of water that you need to add to the compost bin will have to depend on how moist or dry it is. Bear in mind that a compost pile should have about 40 to 60 percent water.<\/strong> You can test the moisture inside the pile by scooping a handful and squeezing it. If a lot of water comes out, it means that it is too wet and you should avoid watering it. However, if the pile is too dry, you need to add more water to it.<\/p>\n

How Do I Add Proper Drainage to a Compost Bin?<\/h2>\n

To make sure that the compost bin has proper drainage, you need to add holes in the sides, bottom, and even the top of the lid. The holes at the sides and lid of the compost bin will allow proper ventilation while the holes at the bottom will serve as the drainage.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 1 – Adding Holes<\/h3>\n

You can add holes to the compost bin. For the compost to be full of nutrients, it needs to have proper air circulation. Punch holes at the sides, bottom, and top of the bin. Make sure that you add small homes at the bottom so that the contents of the bin will not fall out. You can use a driller to add the holes. Space out the holes to be about 1 \u00bd inch to 2 inches apart.<\/p>\n

Step 2 – Lining It<\/h3>\n

If you have added large holes at the bottom of the bin, you can line it with a wire mesh to prevent its contents from falling out.<\/p>\n

Step 3 \u2013 Use a Drip Tray<\/h3>\n

If you are placing the compost bin indoors, you will need a drip tray to catch the water that comes out from the holes in the compost bin. You can purchase one at your local hardware store or you can create one.<\/p>\n

\u2705 Video – Trash Can to a Compost Bin DIY Tutorial<\/h4>\n

CodyJo shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to make a compost bin from a trash can. If you are thinking about using an old trash can for a compost bin, watch the video below to learn how to add holes into it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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