I'll admit that I haven't ever composted before. It seems simple enough and I would love to try it. I'm kind of fascinated by earthworms and love to find them while digging around in beds.

I would be very interested in hearing about a composting techinique for a small area. Photos of your composting contraption would be much appreciated.

Patrick

Green and brown, green and brown. Oh, and add water. That's it. Layer green (grass clippings and such household garbage as fruit and vegetable peelings, apple cores, melon rinds, egg shells), then add a layer of brown (shredded leaves and other woody materials). Keep moist. Not wet, but moist. You need a pile that's at least 3 feet across and 3 feet high to start cooking. But that's it. Turn it now and then to stir in oxygen. If you get it right the first time, your pile will reduce by a third without you even noticing. You don't need any fancy container. Just get some chicken wire, or old wood pallets or whatever's handy. Start small and keep going.

there is a great little book called 'Composting for All' published by Green Books

Tel: 01803 863260; www.greenbooks.co.uk my allotment site web address is

www.ladymaryallotments.org.uk

this has lots of tips on composting and a link to Cardiff Organic Gardeners website.

there is a great little book called 'Composting for All' published by Green Books

Tel: 01803 863260; www.greenbooks.co.uk my allotment site web address is

www.ladymaryallotments.org.uk

this has lots of tips on composting and a link to Cardiff Organic Gardeners website.

Ok you've convinced me! I'm going to start a composting pile. I moved 3 months ago to a house on a wooded lot, kind of rural, where everyone dumps their leaves back along a wooded bank. I'm going to put mine to a more intentional use, and reduce my household trash as well. I'll probably be back here with lots of questions. Like this one - does it have to be up off the ground on pallets, or can I just start on the ground?

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Anne, A YardLover from Virginia
Read my Blog

I learned the hard way not to put kitchen scraps that have seeds in them, i.e. tomatoes.    You can put coffee grounds (with the occasional filter), and the best of all...CHICKEN POOP.  I happen to have 5 chickens. 

I also put teabags in.Make sure you dont put meat scraps or dairy products in, velvet

Your compost should be on the ground so the worms can get in there and do their thing!!