How to Make a Soil Sifter Box for Healthy Compost

2018-12-12
How to Make a Soil Sifter Box for Healthy Compost
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Sifting soil and compost is one aspect of gardening that can sometimes be challenging—but always pays off. This small sifter box makes it easy to shake out and keep the good stuff and return the leftovers to your compost pile. And it's the perfect size for one person to handle by themselves in a modest garden.

There are plenty of benefits to composting, such as enriching the soil we use for gardening. You also can reduce up to 30 percent of the things you normally throw in the trash by composting food scraps and yard waste instead. When composting at home, it’s important to sift your compost to separate the organic material that’s suitable for gardening and the stuff that still needs some time to decompose. The good stuff, called humus, is dark, fluffy, and rich in nitrogen and other things that plants thrive on. Depending on what organic materials you add to your compost pile, how much, and climate factors like heat and humidity, it can take up to a year for humus to develop. The good news is, once you’ve started the cycle and continue adding materials to your compost, you’ll be reaping that sweet, sweet humus for years to come.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Tape measure
  • Chop saw
  • Power drill
  • Countersink bit
  • Carpenter's square
  • Sandpaper
  • Tin snips

Materials

  • 1-inch x 6-inch x 8-foot cedar board
  • 1/2-inch square wire fencing, sometimes called hardware cloth, 24 x 18 inches
  • 2-1/2-inch deck screws
  • 1-1/4-inch exterior cabinet screws
  • 1/8-inch fender washers
  • 2 handles

Instructions

  1. Make Cuts

    Cut your wood to the below dimensions.

  2. Build the Frame

    On a work surface, line up the long boards (the frame length) parallel to each other, then square up the short boards (the frame width) perpendicular in between them to form the frame. Predrill the screw holes, then drill three 2-1/2-inch deck screws from the outside of the long boards into the ends of the shorter boards to fasten, making sure all corners are square. Sand down any rough edges.

  3. Attach the Fencing

    Line up the fencing along the edge of the sifter frame. Predrilling all screw holes, drill a screw through a washer and the fencing to attach the fencing to one corner of the frame. Repeat with remaining 3 corners, making sure to keep the fencing taught. Then drill a screw and washer in every 4 to 6 inches along the edges of the frame to secure the fencing. Use tin snips to trim any excess fencing.

  4. Attach the Handles

    Use cabinet screws to attach the handles to the sifter in the middle of each of the long sides.

    Editor's Tip: To make your sifter stronger and keep your gloves from catching on any excess wire fencing, nail thin strips of wood over the edges of the fencing.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.