compost – repurpose – dumpster diving

You may be asking yourself, “what do these things have to do with anything…” 

During one of my recent outings, I checked out one of my favorite places to dumpster dive.  During my visit, I found some large wire racks that, at the time, I had no idea what they were or what they were going to become.  I just knew they were coming home with me.  (As I’ve told several of my loved ones, things go into the “vault” and have to gel for a bit.) 

After hauling them home and while unloading them, I hurried inside to gloat to my wife about my recent find.  At the time, my reasoning for needing these racks was so I could expand my composting efforts.  With the upcoming growing season, I explained that another compost bin would certainly be needed as we prep the yard, beds, pots, hanging baskets, etc.  Now remember what I said about needing to gel.  A week or so had passed and it was time for me to make good on another promised project for my better half; that newly remodeled herb bed outside our backdoor.  During construction it hit me.  I’d been thinking about the racks and about a roll of wire mesh that I recently saved from the markdown bin at my local hardware store.  The solution to one of my problems was provided.  Upon completion of remodeling the herb bed I was going to need to fill the bed with some quality soil, because during the demolition of the bed over a year ago it was decided that this area would become pavement.  It was going to receive concrete and become an extension of our patio.  Thank goodness for procrastination!  Lucky for me the concrete was never bought, mixed or poured.  Spring is here, and after all that, we decided that it needed to become an herb bed once again. That bed will be the subject of yet another post in the very near future... 

Back on topic.  The quality soil.  How was I going to do this?  We have tons of compost in various stages of readiness but one of our problems has always been getting rid of the rocks, roots, bark and other unwanted items from the mix.  Banana labels.  Unbroken-down coffee filter matter.  You know.  Did I say a solution was coming…? My compost screener was born. 

I took one of my recently acquired racks, some of the mesh wire and a few zip ties, and I had what I wanted.  The rack fits perfectly on top of my wheelbarrow, allowing me to scoop shovels full of compost on top.  Once loaded up, several swipes with the leaf rake and all the good earth falls into the wheelbarrow with the unwanted chunks resting on top.  BTW-the unwanted chunks go back into the compost to finish breaking down for future use. 

Several large rocks and a few grub worms were also evicted from the mix before distribution into the new bed.  With all that said, I’m happy to report that my better half has already gotten most of it planted.  Here's a quick YouTube video demonstrating the screen: 

~don