Building a compost bin

This episode is a slight departure from my normal content, but still in the realms of handicrafts, in the sense of building things with your hands. I was lucky to grow up with a DIY Dad, an experience I didn’t value at the time, trailing bored behind my parents in Wickes on a Saturday afternoon. I spent many dull teenage hours, handing tools to my Dad as he crawled under floorboards, or holding the end of planks of wood as he sawed away in the perpetually freezing garage. At the time I couldn’t wait to be released from my familial duties, but now I look back on that those memories with fondness, and realise the value of the confidence and skills it equipped me with for my adult life.I have been looking forward to my garden era for around 20 years now, and I’m so delighted to be finally here. One of my biggest sources of excitement is…wait for it…to be finally able to compost. That’s right, yer girl’s a dork.The concept of composting is so perfectly true to my environmental values. To be able to take literal waste, and recycle it into something useful, all whilst saving money on buying your own compost, is just so amazing. Homemade compost helps support the soil, and all the amazing organisms that live within that medium, which in turn helps support your fruits and veggies. It’s a win all round.I knew I didn’t want a traditional plastic compost bin, and Andrew requested a bin that looks aesthetically pleasing. I figured this would be a good opportunity to flex my limited DIY expertise, and learn some new skills in the process. Armed with my new mitre saw, and power drill, I have set to work. The above photo is my progress so far, I’ve still got the front and lid to build, then the whole thing gets painted with linseed oil. I’m really happy with how it looks so far, it’s a combination of 2 x 2” wood for the uprights, and shiplap for the sides. It’s going to look quite smart I think.If you’re interested in this sterling content, listen on! I also have a mild rant about sexism at the gym, and in similar male-dominated spaces, like the timber yard or DIY store.I bought the plans for this compost bin from Easy Plans Woodwork on Etsy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit craftandthrift.substack.com