Compost usually does not turn out in an even texture so a compost screen is a great help. It will be able to separate unfinished compost, also any uncomposted branches, cobs, woodchips etc.

You can then put the unfinished compost and materials back into the heap to further decompose. These bulky materials are not only useful for aeration, the bacteria that has already grown on them will help to speed up decomposition in the remaining pile.

The size of your compost screen will depend on what you find easy to manage. You will have to manipulate it and have to put it over a wheelbarrow or container to store finished compost prior to spreading.

Common sizes are 20" x 15" or 20" x 18" – but you may want to adjust the latter shorter or longer by a couple of inches. If you have a wheelbarrow, you will want to construct the compost screen around three or four inches longer than its length. If you use a plastic container, make sure the frame fits over the opening so no compost spills as you are sifting.

How to Make a Compost Screen

A compost screen is simply a galvanized mesh pulled over a wooden frame.

1. Choose a mesh.

Some people opt to use a one-fourth-inch mesh, while others prefer a half-inch mesh to produce finer compost. Compost passed through a one-fourth-inch mesh is usable for surface dressing a lawn, while a half-inch mesh produces mulch ideal for a nursery.

2. Make a frame.

Two-by-fours can serve as a frame. If the frame is more than 20 inches, you may want to put a crosswise piece to support the frame. Use butt-jointing for the ends to form a frame. Secure the joints with three-inch nails and glue. Use a corner brace if desired.

3. Attach the mesh.

Cut a piece of mesh that will fit over the frame, and then staple it every 3 or 4 inches. You will have to pull the mesh really tight so that when you load compost on it, it does not sag.

4. Fasten the mesh.

Finish the surface of the frame where you stapled the mesh, fix the mesh by nailing 0ne-by-two to the frame. One-by-twos follow the lengths and butt-jointing of the frame.