Get 10 MORE Years! Out of Your Compost Bays!

In this video, I show you an EASY DIY fIX to get 10 more years out of your compost bays! This compost bay refurbishment using recycled plastics is sustainable, safe, long-lasting, good-looking, and perfect for the job...
Plastic Forests: plasticforests.com.au/
Go here to get Birdies Raised Garden beds in the USA, Canada, and UK: lets.growepic.co/self-suffici... for a 5% discount, or use SSME2020 at checkout.
In Australia, go to birdiesgardenproducts.com.au/ and use Code SSMEbird for a 5% discount. In New Zealand, go to birdiesgardenproducts.co.nz/ and use Code ssmebird22 for 5% off your first purchase.
Hoselink Garden Products such as hose reels go here l.linklyhq.com/l/5uZu and you will automatically get a 10% discount on checkout!
Aussie-made Forged garden tools: Go to gardentoolsaustralia.com.au/ and use code SSM10 for a 10% discount at checkout.
Rolling Sifter shown in the video: rollingsifter.ecwid.com/
Harvest Right freeze dryer website: affiliates.harvestright.com/1...
For Australian freeze dryer purchase info, use the link above and contact Harvest Right directly.
Plant Doctor Fertiliser: Go to www.plantdoctor.com.au/ and use SSME10 = 10% off products (not shipping).
Ocean2earth Fish Compost: Enter the discount code SSME5 at checkout on their Website here ocean2earth.com.au/ and get a 5% discount on the 1.5L and 3L bags plus free shipping Australia-wide!
Support me on Patreon: / selfsufficientme (the top tier $25 AU enables mentoring from yours truly via an exclusive VIP email where I will answer your questions etc ASAP).
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland, Australia, about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online, so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)
*Disclaimer: Some links to products in this description and comments sections are affiliated, meaning I receive a small commission if you follow these links and then purchase an item. I will always declare in a video if the video is sponsored, and since starting my channel in 2011, I am yet to do a sponsored video.
#compost #sustainability #recycle

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Everyone, for those who are new to composting please understand it is not "rocket science" because if I can do it believe me anyone can! There are MANY ways to compost. The simplest is a pile of garden waste sitting in the corner of the yard and then you have bins, chicken rings, bays, tumblers, bio-fuel chambers, etc. Some people might think (wrongly) that the plastic lining of these bays will prevent airflow or encourage anaerobic activity of the pile due to a lack of oxygen. This is not true. In fact, too much airflow makes the compost pile take longer to break down. If you have a bay system like the one I show in my video with open fronts and tops there will be plenty enough oxygen or airflow. Think about a common and basic plastic compost bin (my Grandfather used to use one and I still do too) they are effective at making compost and most of them don't even have vents! Anyway, it's the mix of ingredients that mostly dictates how the pile will break down and even if your pile goes slimy and putrid you can correct it by adding more carbon but the truth is if left alone long enough it will still eventually turn into good valuable compost. That's why I keep my piles away from the house because I don't always get the mix right, so sometimes (rarely) it might get a little stinky to begin with - not that I care... The bottom line is, making compost is easy and I encourage everyone to do it and this video was about refurbishing my compost bays with recycled plastic from Plastic Forests to get more longevity out of the structure and demonstrate the versatility of these types of recycled plastic products. So, thanks for your support and "get into it!" Cheers :)

[@Amberlynn_Reid]

Wish I could have a compost but I have to save every single dollar just so I can get a 1 bedroom apartment and then be in debt for next 20 years

[@patriciatinkey2677]

I support your recycling initiative. Hope others will, too. Thanks for getting my son in law more interested in gardening for self sufficiency! 👏🌿👏

[@markluxton3402]

I like the "system". I know what I want to build now, around my existing compost pile. I see a potential issue with the plastic. Depends on environment of course, and if you cover all the bins to keep rain out. I think in my area, the plastic would retain too much moisture, causing the pile to become septic, instead of composted. Keeping the rain out would also be important as the nutrients, can be washed away. Most compost setups I have seen(not all), allow some breathing around the pile, and it also helps to stir the pile to avoid hot spots, and make compost instead of rot and tea for the ground. I imagine you know this. Anyway, knowing my area has a damper environment, and knowing that most compost setups are breathable, I thought when you began the overhaul/upgrade, that you would use landscape fabric! Not solid plastic. Straight away I was like "Hey great idea, use landscape fabric....." I'm doing that! Hope the solid plastic works out for you. I am planning to put my three compost sections into my garden. I know...what? Well a section doesn't get much sunlight and has never produced well there. This will make it really easy to put my finished compost into this garden, and the compost is within a fenced in area; keeps some critters out.. I may need to do some extra work killing some bugs, but this is what I have space for. I think I will need lids though for all three sections. Thank you for the ideas.

[@fredazcarate4818]

🧐🤔💯👌👊👍

[@deborahlee8135]

Love to see how this goes with so little air. I imagine in some climates it could become anaerobic if you don't keep an eye on it?

[@GCaF]

Hey Mark! I have 3-4 nests of these every year. It's common here if you have fruit trees ... they come to the sweet fruit (and anually eat a big portion of my grapes). But getting rid of them during the day never works out. A large group is out of the nest and they will find a home (make another nest) nearby. You need to get to them during the night, which gives you 2 advantages: 1. they are all back in the nest are are asleep (it's a miracle to get stung during the night) and 2: you can spray JUST the nest and kill them all - use less spray and pollute less of an area. Use any flashlight with confidence, it's not enough to wake them up. I use a normal lantern or the one from my phone. Then when the nest is down squash it. That will kill all the remaining wasps and eggs/baby-wasps... and makes a gross mess, particularly for large nests - but it will take months for others to gather and rebuild.

[@dewjerzy5155]

Another quick tip for those who don't know , if you Kill the nest , don't knock it down . Wasp don't reuse old nest ,they may be unsightly, but it will keep em from building a new nest in the same area. Love yer videos mate keep em going!

[@GCaF]

@@dewjerzy5155 That's cool :) - but I can't really imagine how "killing" the nest works without knocking it down. When I sqash them on the groud deep tunneled wasps get out (and die) + the eggs and whatever else is in there. I can also confirm that abandoned nests (of which I have a few) do keep wasps away. But I did not "kill" them, they abandoned them themselves.

[@beadwright]

They dont react to red light

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks for the advice! I never really looked into how to properly eliminate this aggressive wasp. Every other wasp on our property (and there are lots) aren't a problem, but these paper wasps cause issues beyond tolerance. I will tackle them at night from now on... Cheers :)

[@dewjerzy5155]

@@GCaFI spray peppermint oil on them to kill the eggs and larvae

[@erroneous6947]

I thought I was the only one who talks to the birds. The owls and the doves answer but the crows/ravens are brilliant. They started talking to me in owl and dove calls. Brilliant animals. I think they want to be friends and maybe want me to feed them. Very polite crows they don’t take my produce. Was working in the garden and I heard an owl call blended with a mourning dove. Similar to what I do. I looked around think the neighbors were screwing with me. But no two crows were making owl and dove calls. We talked for a while and I left out some buggy strawberries for them.

[@chriswhinery925]

Corvids like crows and ravens are extremely smart. It's been proven that they can recognize different people's faces and will befriend those who are nice to them and hold grudges against those who terrorize them. They are also very skilled problem solvers and can solve rather complex puzzles to figure out how to get at food, including using tools to get the job done. I daresay if they had hands instead of wings I might be worried about them evolving into the dominant species and taking over the planet! Parrots are equally intelligent as well, but here in Texas we don't see a lot of wild parrots.

[@therasco400]

Crows and ravens are insanely intelligent creatures.

[@susanshelit]

Careful. That's how cats started to domesticate humans, eons ago 😂

[@thirstygerry]

You really deserved that drink of soda water Mark! Great video as always. I just told my wife that your calm, approachable and yet very enthusiastic way of showing how it's done is just one of the many reasons why I think your gardening channel is the best one out there!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thank you and yes I had a good drink of soda water alright! It's difficult to analyse myself and why my channel is successful (I personally cringe when I watch myself back on video) but I'm glad that you and others enjoy my style and keep supporting my content because I truly love doing it. Cheers :)

[@user-rf2vk8zp2u]

Murdering the environment is approachable?

[@Edward55221]

@@Selfsufficientme Are you Russel crowe's cousin? Let's get a Russel Crowe and Mark collab going eh

[@loue6563]

You can use plantain to help with wasps/bees stings. Or even spider bites. Not the banana plantain but the green leaf plant that you can often find growing in your yard. Chop the leaves and make a paste to put in the area stung. Change it out every half hour to an hour at first then less over time. Plantago major plantago lanceolata. Broad and narrow leaf are both good to use. Also eating the leaf can help and they are just all around good for you.

[@sroberts605]

In Australia?

[@tater357]

I thought the whole thing about building a compost bin out of pallets, was so that the slotted areas would allow air into the compost pile to help with composting it. I guess it'll still work, but maybe not as fast now since you covered up the available oxygen it'll recieve.

[@G.G.G.zone7]

I was also thinking this same thing

[@cooperswan534]

idk about that

[@AlmostOrganicDorset]

Very good point, the bays do need to breathe, I use roofing membrane to line mine, allows oxygen into the pile and retains moisture, win win situation.

[@MS-ku7tl]

He will just need to manually turn more often. I think for the price and effort of the plastic i would have just rebuilt the pallets.

[@rickwarner516]

I’m using plastic pallets that normally don’t get recycled, they don’t rot or fall apart

[@mamawau]

Australia has probably the most frightening insects (that includes the famous government), glad you survived it.

[@KylerExley]

As an American, I can appreciate the subtle way you just double middle-fingered the world! Thank you for that. 😅

[@Ci-Me122...]

Hey Mark! Great to see the new "buzz" on products to use when making your own compost. It really takes the "sting" out of failing , when you see how someone else method is better than your own. Thanks for taking all the "bites" for us, and please keep on with your informative videos, as they really help! Cheers!😊👍🍻

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL... Thanks Cindy! That was a lovely "nest" of puns right there... Cheers :)

[@IowaKim]

I use a super soaker with soapy water when I go on wasp patrol (monthly in the summer). The reach on those toys are remarkable-can get clear up in the barn soffits and it turns a chore into a fun activity. Great video as always-liked the music while you worked!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Kim! Cheers :)

[@user-rf2vk8zp2u]

You're killing pollinators.

[@IowaKim]

@@user-rf2vk8zp2u I worked in a honey bee lab. Paper wasps are not pollinators, they are predatory insects that prey on other insects. I agree it is not good to kill any insect willy-nilly, but if they nest right above where I am living, working and maintaining my property, they need to move on to another location.

[@user-rf2vk8zp2u]

@@IowaKim Congratulations on that claim. However, paper wasps actually do pollinate because they also do eat nectar as part of their diet. Y'all act like them being in your yard is just a set up for you to be stung. Leave them alone and they'll leave you alone. You don't have to use poison. You can destroy the nest for them to relocate somewhere else with just a stick. If you let the nest get large, that's your laziness. Did you even watch the video? How this "self sufficient" person is spraying it everywhere, even into his compost. Brilliant, I say, Brilliant. PS, you need predators in the ecosystem.

[@IowaKim]

@@user-rf2vk8zp2u Apparently you don't live or work on a farm.

[@deborahbreeden4394]

I have wanted to see a kookaburra since I learned the song as a child. 😊 Thanks!

[@teenagardner3623]

Nice to see you again, Mark always love your videos. When you were squaking at the bird, I busted out laughing thinking the bird was feeling the same way 😅. I also have a 3 bay compost out of pallets. I line my sides and bottom with cardboard. As the cardboard breaks down, I add it to my compost and line again.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Teena! I couldn't get the Kookaburra to sing unfortunately but I did my best to try... Cheers :)

[@MatthewHarrold]

Great to see you on the compost topic again. It's really the only part of gardening and growing that I've sorted out for myself. I'm in South Hobart which is much cooler, and instead of 3 bays I use Mount Weed (like the first bay, but just a large pile of weeds and green waste). Your second bay is replaced with two black plastic compost bins with open bottoms and removable lids. They both get food waste, shredded paper, torn-up cardboard, and layers from Mount Weed. Every 2 to 4 weeks, I lift up the hot bins, knock off the fresh muck, load up a 55 litre garbage bin (twice) with the rich dark compost and worm castings, reload the hot bins and top up with more layers from the bottom of Mount Weed. It's a bit more labor intensive, but works really well. $0.02 thanks Mark.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Sounds like you have an excellent method for composting, Matthew! There are many ways to make compost and it's always interesting (for me) to read about how people are making the "black gold" for gardening. Cheers :)

[@djbryson]

@@Selfsufficientme Not sure I agree. Paper and cardboard are full of chemicals.

[@Kyle_Spivis]

Just got to the part of the soft plastic mention. You really are such a cool and respectable person. Hopefully I’ll be in your neck of the woods this summer.

[@fourcatsandagarden]

yknow one of the reasons I got into gardening is because I sometimes find it hard to motivate myself to exercise, but I don't have a hard time motivating myself to improve my garden (once I get outside, if it's a cold or wet day its hard to get myself outside but once I'm there all's good), and this video reminded me just how much of a workout one day can entail, especially if I'm doing something big haha

[@walterhbez]

see some sound mentions, the live narrative is in my left hear mono while the sound effects from editing I suppose it stereo. I have misophonia so this is a little off balancing for me lol. Temp FIX - What you can do to balance out your ears is to click the start button, type "ease of access" and then click on Audio. Click Mono and listen to the video in both ears. Once done you can switch it off.

[@WIcountrykid]

Windows 11 this is done from System -> Sound. Remember to turn it back off afterward.

[@DollyDarkside]

A family friend works with a company in my state that takes plastic caps and melts them down to make park benches. I love companies who recycle plastics and other products to make things for another use. 🖤

[@Selfsufficientme]

Excellent stuff! That's good to hear. Cheers :)

[@bluedirtgreen]

Why recycle plastic instead of just throwing it away?

[@DollyDarkside]

@@bluedirtgreen because it's good for the environment and you get more than one use out of it

[@bluedirtgreen]

@@DollyDarkside I don't understand how plastics are good for the environment.

[@DollyDarkside]

@@bluedirtgreen recycling plastics are good for the environment...

[@betterlivingonabudget]

The refurbished compost bins look fantastic, excellent job! Glad your finger healed quickly, owweee.

[@Kyle_Spivis]

I loved the moment when you said kookabarra and he looked at you like “yes? That is I”

[@potkas7]

Won't sealing the bins with an impermeable membrane impede the airflow and thus oxygen needed by the composting organisms? Also, won't it also hold in excess moisture causing your garden detritus to anaerobically rot rather than aerobically compost? During the monsoon season you guys get some real "Frog Strangler" type thunderstorms.

[@deirdreberger1363]

I was wondering the same thing with impeded air flow. My climate is not as extreme as Australia; I live in Florida. I currently have two SoilSaver enclosed bins with a lid. Through experimentation, I find the diagonal airflow pass-throughs essential. I wanted something set up for a backyard and a deterrent for rodents, so it is not as open as the three-bin system, which necessitates me having to turn it relatively often with one of those large corkscrew tools. In any event, I have a lot of humidity like Australia, I would find the poly lining an issue.

[@MrPicklesAndTea]

Been composting my whole life in Florida, 50-500 gallons at a time. In my experience airflow isn't super important, but I'm also surrounded by trees and tree roots will turn my compost into sand if I let it. So perhaps I prefer a slower, safer compost.

[@novampires223]

The first thing I built on my farm 40 years ago was a 3 bay concrete compost bin. Each bay was 4 by 4 ft. I installed black pipe air vents on all three sides. Didn’t seem to make any difference, the compost got hot just fine. Even when the pipes got plugged with worms and compost. Boy I miss those bins..

[@h.s.6269]

@@novampires223 what did you use to make the piping? I'm fixing to build a solid stained wood 3 stall compost and was worried about air flow. But I'm still very new to DIY so any advice is appreciated!

[@Selfsufficientme]

It's a logical thing to expect, but no, using plastic lining in the bays won't create an anaerobic environment. Think about a basic plastic composting bin - they are effective, and most don't even have vents. The bay system is only lined on three sides, so there will be appropriate oxygen. Nevertheless, oxygen or too much aeration will only slow the process down and dry the pile out. The balance really comes from the mix of materials which is hard to get wrong if it's just garden waste but if you are including food scraps and other "wet" materials then adding some extra dry stuff can prevent a stinky mess. Cheers :)

[@CynthiaB-mr3nx]

This is my math school and science for this term at home-schooling 😊 Thank you for helping me Mark.

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

I just love the wild life that you show. its always somthing i had no idea about and would never dreamed was real!

[@cbjones2212]

I'm thinking ten years is a win for those bays and would have maybe just replaced the pallets to gain the next decade. Also Mark, having the base open to the ground is gonna give you faster results because worms and other critters can get in and do the work a lot quicker than just the heat in the pile. We've hot composted (and cold as well) for a fair few years and the worms just self regulate through the pile to avoid the hottest parts. When the pile starts to cool, the critters move in to the centre anyway after they've been feasting on the outskirts. That allows us to turn the pile in about 2-3 months rather than having to wait a whole year. We have a new hot pile on the go now and will be spreading it before the end of winter. AND we have no weeds growing up through any of our bays. For context, we're in Central Vic.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Yes, I agree the worms (hot or cold) will come in and out of the piles as they please. And, it's always good to know some of these worms get transferred into the garden when using the compost. Cheers :)

[@RevLetaLee]

Always love your videos. Lots of info in simple easy bites, plenty of humor and real life work, entertaining and inspiring.

[@marthareyes4024]

Great job Mark. Boy I felt for you doing all that work. As we get older, it gets harder and harder. Not that you're old. Im old. It's me. Me old.....LOL

[@badxradxandy]

Hey last Friday my favorite podcast called Mad at the Internet gave you a shout out! You have fans all over the world that love your content. Keep it up, my dude.

[@nancystrickland1623]

Thank you Mark I am getting ready to start building my own pallet composting. 👍🏻☮️😊 So this video was definitely perfectly timed.(for me anyhow)

[@ScottE-2]

Ouch, that paper wasp bite must have been fierce. Glad nothing got any worse for you, the wasps we get here are pretty nasty but never thought I'd see some the size of mini cupcakes. Amazing work nonetheless, glad to see more videos from you. I hope you are well and hydrated, Mark. Good day to you sir.

[@mikeweaver5399]

Mark, you’re killing me here. I haven’t been able to see anything from my favorite Aussie. When are we going to see some more of your gardening antics???👍 let’s get into it.😉🇱🇷

[@luvmechanix]

I think you should cap those open wall tops

[@sick-mate]

Love your videos. I have been meaning to make this 3 bay system since about 2 years ago when I started watching your videos. I might have access to some chep pallets finally. Now seeing u refurbish it has given me more of a drive to get them.

[@impulse3257]

Thanks Mark. I'm in the lookout for a LOT of garden edging and will give PlasticForests a go. Good to know it's 100% made from soft plastics!

[@spacerat9741]

Haha, I love the great use of military tactics when dealing with the wasp

[@bloblubla1]

Awesome vid two thing i recommend Don't compact the compost it creat a lot of areas without proper air exchange It makes more gases like N2O and CH4 wich are more harmful for the environment and make the compost lest nutritious to crop its especially important if you want to get a good yield Also if the pile gets two hot above 60C it can be problematic

[@mrmesozoic1094]

Hey Mark, do you know of any tips for growing Dinosaur Kale, I live in Ireland so its a bit cold but I planted some in the summer last year and there a bit skimpy looking but are 2 feet high. any tips:)

[@ddeaae]

I hate getting stung by bees ,not only am I allergic to them but it really hurts between wasp & hornets both impact a punch for days. You have such great ideas utilizing your surroundings and composting dairy products is a money saver. Your binds looks awesome. Thank you for sharing & best education a new Gardner can get. PS. Crack a big cold one you deserve it.

[@black-cat_333]

I wish you were my neighbour! Watching you from UK. I’ve learned and you’ve motivated me so much also. I know our countries don’t have the same climate but the way you explain stuff is incredible. Thank you and please don’t stop.

[@julieduke7279]

Awesome episode Mark. You’re a “blooming” inspiration.

[@ShortbusMooner]

Thanks for the PlasticForest tip, Mark!! 👍

[@nitrous5598]

Won't the plastic degrade at some point into the compost you are making? I assume if the bins are full the exposure to UV radiation will be low, but still something to be taken into consideration. I am not sure what else could be used to line the compost piles, some kind of metal for sure but that would make things much more expensive and complicated.. Anyway, thank you for the insightful video!

[@zerowastehomestead2518]

yes it will eventually turn into micro plastic. I'm not sure why you would line the bottom at all really ? i leave mine unlined to allow the worms and bugs to come up from the ground.

[@clemfandango2930]

Micro plastics will leech into the compost

[@hienous9581]

It might be treated to be UV resistant. Would have to look at the website to confirm or deny that though. A lot of plastic items intended for extensive outdoor use are manufactured with such conditions in mind. At least in Australia they are. For example zip or cable ties will often come in two varieties. UV resistant and non UV resistant, for outdoor and indoor use respectively. How effective that UV resistance is, is another matter.

[@Selfsufficientme]

@@zerowastehomestead2518 The bottom isn't lined at all it's just covered in matting etc to stop grass and weeds growing through it and then removed when the bay is filled (as I explained in the video). This type of plastic is food safe and I have to say the micro-plastic argument is exaggerated. This material takes decades to start degrading it doesn't just shed microplastics from day one. It's not a thin plastic bag floating in the ocean... This product will eventually begin to crack and discolour. At this point, it can be recycled and replaced long before it ever begins turning into microplastics.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thank you! You can make compost bays from many materials such as concrete, untreated wood, fibreglass, bricks, etc - they are all good. Yes, the plastic won't last forever, that's true, but it will last decades. Many people think plastic is "evil", but the problem is the management of plastics (particularly soft products like plastic bags etc). This product is food safe and won't "leech" into the compost, just like a modern plastic bottle won't leech chemicals or microplastics into your drinking water. In about 10-20 years, depending on the amount of sun damage, the plastic will start to crack and discolour, but it won't break down as a thin plastic bag does on the beach or in the ocean. At this point, you can recycle the plastic and replace it. I am aware of the concerns about microplastics and I'm not discarding them, but some narratives are simply ignorant and exaggerated. I would like to see more focus on recycling these plastics rather than throwing them away to eventually blow into the waterways to cause problems and break down into microplastics, which inevitably get into the food we eat. Bottom line, if you use a plastic liner in your bays, a plastic compost tumbler, or a plastic composting bin, you shouldn't worry about microplastics riddling your final composted product. That won't happen. All the best :)

[@kekibannmi6054]

I used wooden pallets for years on my compost system...about 2 years ago my son-in-law was able to get, for free, a bunch of the heavy duty black plastic pallets. I rebuilt my area with those and they have worked GREAT. I usually turn my piles between two bins every month in order to speed up the process and then have a much smaller finish bin for the completed compost. Since I run two "active" piles most of the time I use a sifter (2x4's and welded 1/4" mesh) to pull out the finer material to go into the finish bin every couple of months. This system eats everything I throw into it...rather than waiting 6 months or more for the main pile and another 6 month for the second pile to break down I just constantly turn it over every month and pull out the finished compost along the way.

[@trilliarobinson7862]

I bought a sieve from Bunnings, - the largest they have is around 32cm ! The bad news is, that it takes a long time, and is quite fiddly. I guess the good news is that it isn't too heavy or unwieldy for an old lady to use ! And how smug was I to get my half-barrowload of sieved compost ....

[@kekibannmi6054]

@@trilliarobinson7862 I made mine 3' x 2' rectangle with 2x4's, stapled the mesh to the bottom with some finish strips of wood and screwed on one 3' 2x4 as a single "leg" that would prop it up at the right angle...this allows me to sift everything one shovel at a time without having to lift it or move it...just dump the shovel load at the top and let gravity sift it. Pull it forward to dump it out or rotate it out of the way to shovel the good stuff into the bay. I only have to lift the thing when I want to put it away!

[@trilliarobinson7862]

@@kekibannmi6054 Excellent ! My compost fingers are itching now ....

[@davidforrest399]

I've been doing similar and was getting frustrated with the results - too much fine material just rolling off the pile. This year i'm making a trommel sifter out of some old biycyle innertubes - will sit over a wheelbarrow on some rollers so it will roll easily, and dump the screened material into the wheelbarrow - with the oversize items getting thrown back into the active pile.

[@user-rf2vk8zp2u]

Unsustainable, plus you're spreading microplastics and chemicals from that plastic into your entire yard. Enjoy.

[@laurelwolfe7955]

OMG!! I made it! A while back i watched a couple of your videos and i liked them so much i went back to the beginning and watched them all. Whew! Now I'm all caught up. I've bought 4 birdie's beds and I'm ready to get going!

[@phonicfrog]

Just dicovered your channel today and am binging it hard! So happy to have found a great Aussie garden channel.

[@NonexistentHomestead]

2 Thoughts: 1) Won't putting the plastic on cut down on airflow and cause an anaerobic compost to occur? 2) Will you remove the ground cover before filling to assure the compost has contact with the ground? Do you need those life forms that assist the process?

[@bluedirtgreen]

I use garden fencing to make compost rings that are 2-3 feet across and 3 feet tall. I'll double dig the base of the site to make it easier for biological activity to have access and get establish early. The compost gets harvested each spring and after a few years the ring is relocated to a new spot, I plant a tree or bush at the recently cleared site, then start the cycle over again. POINT BEING, I like my ground and my compost to get their freak on without rubber barrier; nawmsayin?

[@Selfsufficientme]

The plastic lining won't hurt the composting - I expect the extra insulation will improve it. Yes, the matting placed down in the base is just to stop the grass and weeds from growing. When the compost is ready to turn, I will remove the matting. Cheers :)

[@shelleygoetchius231]

I line the bottom of mine with cardboard. Keeps weeds down and breaks down easily

[@rideathome]

Mark, are you worried about air flow at all? The sides of my bins are solid too and I've always wondered if that impacts the speed of my composting

[@jenjoy4353]

I find the gaps in the sides result in a dry pile which slows it down and closed sides works better. The oxygen is needed throughout the pile not at the edges so not compressing the pile, and fluffing it up works better for me.

[@shabut]

The climate mate

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Nick, there will still be enough airflow and oxygen through the open top, front, and bases. I will do a follow-up video, show the latest pile's results, and finish the lining so everyone can see how it turned out. Solid sides, if anything, will help your compost pile break down faster. If you are having trouble, you can try mulching up your materials so they are finer and will break down easier, and turn the pile more often and even cover the top with some hessian to lock in the warmth and moisture. All the best :)

[@michaelm1053]

I love watching your videos. Sometimes the “G’day” is just what I needed to hear. Sorry bout your finger!

[@mgkklly]

Thank you for being your self sustaining you! You help so many of us with your down to earth, REAL approach. God bless you from Colorado❤🙂

[@rhysdehaan]

Love your channel and congrats on 2 million subscribers!

[@verandahmeander]

Loved the kookaburra cameo. They can be so cheeky. On rare occassions one will fly onto my veranda rafters but I have never had one sit near me when gardening. Lucky you.

[@emmlila]

7:00 that was the funniest "don't you"? I've ever heard. 🤣😂

[@tradermunky1998]

But with the plastic, your air flow is gone. It's going to promote anaerobic activity. The rule is to have an airspace around a foot and a half of compost, so a three foot span needs it on both sides. I suppose if you're turning it regularly, it's not too big a deal. But if you get a lot of rain you might have a stinky mucky mess.

[@andrewsusen3154]

Doesnt compost need free air flow around it?

[@NVH83]

I was thinking the same thing, but then all the store bought compost bins only have vents at the top too. So maybe that is enough airflow?

[@RekimNZ]

I bet you slept well that night ! - Another excellent video Mark !!

[@blasebaker]

From my experience with wasps here is a tip. Get up early before the wasps wake up. Spray then and you won’t get stung. . 😁❤️ love your shows.

[@monicawarren3678]

Dang it, you should've saved the nest for Klaus Schwab so he could eat ze bugz.

[@steffwo]

Why do you poison your organic compost with recycled plastic? Which contains for example the hormonactive chemicals BP-A and TBT. In Germany, my grandmother did it different. There has to be gaps on the side for air ventilation. And at the bottom there has to be a connection to the soil underneath, to ensure that the worms and microorganisms can transfer. I also don't understand why the growing grass is a problem. When you put material on top, it will decompose quickly. Your three bay system makes no sense. Usually, you remove only the lower part of the compost, because this is the oldest material. Therefore, you need a wall, where you can temporarily remove the lowest wall section.

[@bluedirtgreen]

I always have the urge to get plastics away from my garden and try the transition to eventually not have any part of my garden system come in contact with plastic. Watering cans, garden hoses, seedling trays.... And certainly a 50lb roll of plastic. It's obviously a paid advertisement. I didn't notice him mention anything about avoiding or reducing use of plastics; he just said to buy this "recycled" plastic from a specific company. Talk about a non existent eco-friendly message... What confused me was spraying the wasp poison in his composting bay. I don't want that on my potatoes or carrots.

[@kathrinekerns8398]

Looking good. 👍👍👍

[@susangenders7152]

Great info on composting!

[@abdullahalshudukhi684]

The audio seems to only come from one side unfortunately.

[@keyboard_g]

In Australia it comes out of the other side.

[@jessicapacella2937]

Ew no don't complain

[@Klajnepojken]

@@jessicapacella2937 what?

[@gerhardthartlieb8308]

The next video is than " get 10 more years out of your microphone"

[@deanoelcapitanno]

Thats what she said...

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

I’m still giggling 🤭 at you 🫵🏻… spraying at the wasp that 🐝 … ‘came right at’ you!! Terrorised by insects and kookaburras, I’d be jumpy too! My face swelled to balloon-sized from one bite on the cheek and boy it burns and sends cold shivers through your body 🥵🥶 Antihistamine helps! ☺️ I’m excited to try making one of these composting ‘thingamajigs’!!!

[@lindayurk4367]

Great ideas you always have

[@gardeningfishingjimw9364]

Stay hydrated whilst you work Mark; that way you won't lose your body's natural salts etc. mate. I am in the middle of shifting compost and soil for the raised beds here and always stop for a slurp or 2 of the h2o and make a bad thing as well ( a smoke) hahaha Great idea on the recycled plastic roll too. :)

[@tbh5207]

Hello from Oregon U.S.A.! Thank you for your helpful and inspiring videos!

[@LeverActionLarry]

Those have held up so long, that's incredible!

[@marykejejian7758]

Thanks Mark for the amazing Video. Itcame right in time! Keep up the great work!

[@francescocanu8304]

This Is a great idea! Thanks for this video!

[@fromanjeesgarden]

Great videos- love your approach ✅

[@thisoneT]

You're awesome Mark! 💪🏽

[@SBoots29]

Everyone wants to be in your videos. even the birds. I thank you for this video. You have given me an idea for earth day where I work. We have a garden area for the employees and I think we can scavenge materials for a compost bin system like you and instead of sending our waste out by truck we can use it here and then put in garden. Cheers.

[@sharonmoller6757]

Thank you so much! Great video and ideas shared!

[@X2Gibbo]

Genius thanks for the great idea

[@henrib723]

I love your channel. Thanks for another great video.

[@BattleScar09]

Great video, love the info you share so I just subscribed! 😀👍👍👍

[@buthow708]

Glad to see you had the appropriate traditional Australian response whenever one sees a Kookaburra. Great video mate, keep it up

[@tweir1609]

Love your channel

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Excellent as always Mark 👍🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@kaceybongarzone4977]

Cheers to your effort and love of recycling!

[@cindygilson7193]

Great video! Thank you for your points about recycling. I couldn’t agree more!

[@jordancoglan1406]

Been looking forward to another compost video thanks mark, you had that coming up looking brand new

[@dakota5440]

You're doing a great thing my friend. In this global depression of the next 5-10 years this knowledge will be of the most value.

[@verandahmeander]

I read somewhere that according to Pete Seeger, 'If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.' Mark scores a solid 5 by reducing (not replacing), reusing, refurbishing, recycling (soft plastic and original structure) and composting.

[@Sleepy_Ant2000]

Hello Mark! I just found your channel and your videos are great! We are trying to make a garden for my mom because she has wanted one for years but has a lot of pain and health problems that make it hard for her. So these videos are really good for me to learn a lot about this stuff haha! So thank you!

[@rezyness]

Mark, your an inspiration! I need to make one. Thx

[@srichards9010]

Love your videos. Very knowledgeable! Thank you for sharing.

[@daleevans4261]

Fantastic video. Thank you very much.

[@greengardenideas]

Welldone Brother ! your job is great ❤

[@StayPrimal]

Just discovered your channel, wow its very inspiring

[@Doc1855]

We line the inside of our compost pallets with chicken wire for ventilation. We then put down plywood, plastic sheeting or tarps on the ground so the weeds won’t come up. We get horse manure for free and the farmer loads our pickup truck with their tractor.

[@chip_18]

You are the reason I want to rearrange my garden like yours

[@Jennifer-ep1sr]

Couldn't come at a better time! New compost heaps needed. Thanks.👍🇦🇺

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

🪅🪅🪅CONGRATS on 2,000,000+ Mark ! ! ! 🪅🪅🪅 Well done 👏👏👏-KJ

[@janicemoyer854]

I wouldn’t put that on the ground at all. I just cleared by bin yesterday and the worms we’re going mad near the bottom, made my heart happy and put a smile on my face. Nothing better than quicker composting with worm castings 😅

[@mittouts5047]

Thanks Mark! So thankful (and reminded) you've been helping us all for more than a decade. Thanks a lot mate

[@Jorjibum]

Love this video

[@ClickinChicken]

awesome verbal skills! great product and idea!

[@fletchybabe6172]

Good old thermoplastic so versatile 😁🌱☀️

[@FrotoLay]

Great to see how you fixed up the old bins; you've inspired me to have a productive day!

[@terrymchan1727]

Hey mark I wanted to thank you ,your videos have inspired me to pick up gardening and composting at home this year is my first go at it

[@sandilobianco6734]

Thank you I like your organized composting system.

[@johnbell891]

This is the coolest channel!!!