How do I build one of those expensive composters you see online?

Question

I want to worm compost but I don't have the money to start.

Answer 1

get some old boards and some nails and some dirt.

Answer 2

old washing maching tub works

Answer 3

You don't need one of those fancy composters, and it would be a nighmare to build a tumbler type composter. Make a composter yourself out of some 4X4's or whatever you have laying around, and it will work better (a lot better) than the ones you're talking about. The trick in making your own compost is that in order to make compost fairly quickly you must have a minimum of 27 cubic feet of compost cooking at any given time. Any compost maker less than 27 cubic feet will not allow the compost to cook (140 - 160 degrees) at a high enough temperature.

In order to build a composter that is 27 cubic feet all you have to do is build an open box (no side walls, but use chicken wire, concrete reinforcement mesh, etc. to keep the compost within the box) that is at least 3'X3'X3'.  

If you have all the room in the world just pile-up all your grass clippings, vegetable scrapes, leaves, egg shells, coffee grounds, etc., and leave it alone for a year. In time, everything will turn into rich, black soil - compost happens.

Answer 4

Research the worm composting on the web. Most worm boxes are quite small compared to a composting machine. Start with raw fruit and vegetable pieces, and place them in damp shredded newspaper, you can capture the worms from your yard or garden or buy red wrigglers from a garden center.

   A large cardboard box will get you started.