I just started a compost bin and I'm have a soil question.
I have lots of soil in pots from last year, but it has something mixed in with it (it's potting soil), and I'm not sure if that would be a problem in the bin. Anyone know?

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Wow Sarah I am impressed. I want one but I am worried it will stink too much. We have a small backyard. What kind do you have? I was reading up on them the other day and then gave up. I know DH will never build me one and I am not sure I could tend one.

Sorry I don't know the answer to your question.

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Originally I was keeping a black plastic bag w/ the stuff in it (for when I got a bin.) Don't worry about smell-- I thought DH had thrown mine away, but just found it tucked in the corner of our kitchen; there was absolutely NO ODOR so I didn't even know it was there! (If you think about it, there's no meat, no dairy, no feces, so there's not much there to cause a horrible smell.)

Today I started a bin with my old garbage can. Our waste company just gave everyone new cans and recycle bins, so I figured I'd turn my old can into a compost bin. I put the bin on my back patio. Far enough from the house that it is not obnoxious, but close enough that I will actually add to it. My neighbor has one behind us and it is the most ridiculous thing-- it's all the way at the end of his yard (he's behind me, and it is against the fence between us), so the only thing he ever adds is grass after he's mowed the lawn. So it's really just a giant grass pile.) Anyway, I wanted to make sure ours is worth using.

I found a video online of what to do. Basically, punch a bunch of holes in the bin so air can flow through, add your layers, and roll the can once a week to get the juices flowing! I don't think I'll roll; I've heard lots of different opinions on this, and decided the more work involved, the less likely we are to keep it up. So I'll just add to it daily, water to keep things moist, and see what happens.

I set up a small plastic (rubbermaid) garbage can right outside my kitchen (in the garage.) I labeled it COMPOST and wrote exactly what can go in it. As I cook or clean, I can easily sort my garbage, my recycling (I have an identical recycle bin), and the composting stuff. Then each evening I can take the daily gatherings and dump them where they belong.

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When we moved in here we had a huge compost pile in the backyard and we had no luck with it. But I dont think it was done well so I would love to hear any pointers you may have

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