• For plant trimmings alone (unless hoop is made rodent resistant)
• Requires minimum 3'x3' yard space
• Not rodent resistant
• Produces small to large amounts of compost
• Very easy to build
• $15 - $30 for new materials

Materials

• 10'x3' piece of heavy-duty wire mesh fencing or hardware cloth (1/4", 1/2", 1", or 2" mesh)
• (4) 5" pieces of 14 gauge insulated wire or other easy-to-twist wire larger than 12 gauge

Assembly & Installation

You can build your own bin, or buy one at a local hardware store or online. PLEASE NOTE: StopWaste no longer sells compost bins.

Choose a bin based on what you plan to compost. If you are going to compost yard trimmings only, or yard trimmings mixed with fruit and vegetable scraps use a backyard bin. If you are only going to compost fruit and vegetable scraps use a worm bin.

Sheet mulching is a zero waste way to convert turf areas of any size to water-saving landscapes adapted to California's dry summer climate. 

Sheet mulching is basically a layered mulch system. First you place a biodegradable weed barrier such as recycled cardboard on top of mowed or flattened weeds or grass. Then you layer compost and mulch on top of the cardboard. You can plant trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals right through the sheet mulch. 

Designer: Jennifer Smith, The Greensmith
Location: San Leandro, California
Sunset Zone: 15 (What’s a Sunset Zone?)