How to start a compost bin?

KRW

I am beginning a compost bin and read online that it is best to have a compost bin directly on soil. Seeing as I have a limited garden space in my small yard, the limited garden space has rocks across the whole top of it and that run about 2ish cm deep. I dug a small bit and have since discovered I have clay-ish type soil with extremely large mineral rocks.   I'm just wondering how would I best fill this pit so that I can put the compost bin on a even steady top. I am getting mixed recommendations about using top soil or sugar cane mulch or hard chips but still an unsure

Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

JacobZ

Hi @KRW,

You’re right that placing the bin directly on soil is ideal. It allows for drainage, airflow, and helpful microbes and worms to get involved in the composting process. In your case, since the top layer is covered in rocks and there's clay with large mineral chunks underneath, you’ll need to create a base that balances stability and breathability without sealing off the bottom completely.

Begin by levelling out a small area just large enough for the compost bin. Dig down slightly, only as much as needed, to remove the loose rocks and make the bin sit evenly. Don’t worry about digging out all the clay or large rocks; just focus on creating a steady and relatively flat surface. 

Once level, layer the base with coarse wood chip mulch. This helps with drainage and provides space for airflow, which is crucial when you’re working with dense, moisture-retentive soil like clay.

On top of the wood chips, add a layer of sugar cane mulch. This acts as a soft, organic pad that will encourage composting microbes and help the initial compost layers settle without becoming waterlogged. 

If your bin still wobbles or doesn’t sit evenly, place pavers around the edge for the compost bin to sit on. This keeps the bin steady while still allowing connection to the soil underneath. 

This will set you up well for further success with your compost bin.

Check out How To Compost: A Guide To Reducing Waste At Home and The Recipe To Nailing Composting for some further guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions,

Jacob