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Winter Garden Projects, Part Two: Make a Compost Sifter/Dryer

© Laurel Morris

This compost sifter/drying screener is a highly recommended, useful garden accessory. It can be made to fit on top of a wheel barrow for easy sifting of compost. The pictured sifter/screener is made from cedar, and has hand grips cut into the sides for ease of use. The screen material is called "hardware cloth" and is sold in different mesh sizes, sold in bare metal or plastic coated mesh as shown.

For compost sifting, place the sifter on top of the wheel barrow, lengthwise across the wheel barrow sides, and position near the compost bin. Fork composted material into the top and use a hoe to push compost back and forth to sift into the wheel barrow underneath. Tip out larger pieces back into the compost bin. This sifter can also be sued to transport harvested vegetables and herbs and to dry out garlic and onions.

Materials:

(2) 1"x4"x33" cedar for long sides
(2) 1"x4"x23 3/4" cedar for short sides
(2) 1"x4"x25" cedar to secure bottom screening on long sides
(2) 1"x2"x26" cedar to secure bottom screening on short sides
(2) 1"x2"x25" cedar, for bottom placement on short sides, placement width equal to width of wheel barrow.
5/8 inch mesh hardware cloth, 25"x33" piece
1 5/8" galvanized wood screws, approximately 30
staple gun and staples
jigsaw to cut handles

Directions:

1. Trace 1" x 4" oval for handle, transfer to center of short sides, cut out with jigsaw.
2. Put together sides, placing short pieces inside long pieces, using two screws in each side.
3. Place screen on bottom and staple all around to secure. Trim off any overlapping screen.
4. Attach the 1" x 4" x 25" pieces on each short side of the bottom, flush with frame sides, securing with two screws on each end.
5. Attach the 1" x 2" x 26" pieces on each long side of the bottom, flush with frame sides, securing with one screw on each end.
6. Measure the width of the wheel barrow that will be used. Place the remaining 1"x2"x25" pieces on each short side, on top of the 1x4 pieces, so that the screen will fit lengthwise over the wheel barrow sides and be secure.
7. No finishing necessary, except for a little light sanding inside the handles. The cedar will weather the elements well, however, it is recommended to store the sifter in a shed or garage when not in use.