From the page: Plastic containers full of possibility
Idea 7
Compact home composter
Composting is letting nature do what it has always done: decompose organic matter with the help of worms and microorganisms, turning peels into rich soil. Modern home composters are basically stacked boxes with holes — that is, exactly what you can build with containers. The version with red wigglers is the most recommended for apartments because it has no smell when well cared for.
What you need
- 3 large stackable containers with lids (the top and middle ones become the chambers)
- Heated nail for piercing
- Red wiggler worms (sold at gardening stores or online)
- Soil, fruit peels and vegetable scraps
- Sawdust, dry leaves or shredded cardboard
How to make it
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1
Pierce the base of the middle container and the lid of the large one — the holes let the worms climb up to the food and the liquid drain down.
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2
Assemble the tower: large container at the bottom collects the liquid, middle container is the worms' home, top container is reserved for the next stage.
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3
Line the middle container with moist soil, release the worms and cover with the first handful of chopped peels — the smaller the pieces, the faster they turn into fertilizer.
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4
Always cover the scraps with a layer of sawdust or cardboard — this keeps flies away and balances moisture.
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5
Add scraps every two or three days, avoiding excess citrus, meat and dairy.
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6
When the chamber fills up, it rests and you start using the top one; in two months the bottom one will be full of finished humus.
Finishing touches
The liquid that drains into the bottom container is an extremely strong fertilizer — dilute one part in ten parts water before watering plants.
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