After the frame was complete and I decided where it was going to go, I dug two trenches for the posts and stakes to go into.
After I dug the holes and set the frame into place, I filled the holes with fast-setting cement. Each hole took 6 bags (12 total – 60 lbs. each).
Once the barrels are made and full, they could get very heavy with the compost so the frame and concrete anchors must be strong. I feel as though the stakes and concrete will prevent the frame from leaning or moving much.
I used galvanized poles leftover from another job and cut two 5 foot lengths. These go through the holes in the posts and are what holds the barrel.
Be careful when selecting poles, since they will need to be strong to support the weight of the barrels when they’re full.
Once the frame was ready, I began working on the barrels which are made from 55-gallon drums.
I decided to use blue since they get warm and will heat the compost inside. The barrels need to be a dark color since light colors will reflect the sun and heat is important when composting.
Using a 2-inch hole saw, I cut holes exactly in the center of the bottom and top of the barrels. This is what the pole will go through.
Then, using a rotary saw, I cut a rectangular door into each barrel. Take care that the door is big enough to allow comfortable access to the inside of the barrel.
After that, I used a drill to drill several hundred holes all over the barrels to allow for air to circulate inside the barrel. Air is also important when composting.
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