Getting ready to start my composting!

**Mamawolf** · 03-10-2005, 03:03 PM

I bought some lumber today, and am soon going to build a two-bin system. I have a post off Freecycle where someone is going to let me come pick up her "chicken" straw to get me off to a good start! I'll post pics of the process as I go!

**jlxian** · 03-10-2005, 03:30 PM

Can't wait to see/hear your progress! Have fun!

**forestdale** · 03-10-2005, 08:18 PM

excellent Brinda. Have fun on your project. I'm looking forward to the photos.

**Chea** · 03-10-2005, 08:41 PM

I'm looking to start composting also and would love to hear about the process!

**Mamawolf** · 03-10-2005, 09:03 PM

Day 1: Received lumber. I have 2 12 foot 2x4's, and 8 8ft. 1x6's. I am beginning to collect kitchen scraps, and tearing up newspapers for the compost.

**forestdale** · 03-11-2005, 02:13 PM

Brinda, don't forget that you can also add these things to your compost:
crushed eggs shells
the contents of your vacuum cleaner bag
coffee grounds and tea leaves
washed seaweed
lawn clippings - these are fabulous as they will create the heat the compost needs to decompose

In the sticky on basic gardening there is a section on creating a compost heap.

**Layne** · 03-11-2005, 02:43 PM

Mamawolf. You mentioned using chicken straw. We have ducks and was wondering if the straw bedding we use would compost well. Do you think it will take a long time to breakdown?

**forestdale** · 03-11-2005, 03:18 PM

layne, any straw or hay that has had poultry droppings on it is perfect. It should break down fairly fast and would be ideal for starting a compost heap. There is a Vgetable Gardening sticky in this forum what explains how to start a compost heap. What you have with your duck straw is an ideal starter.

**Mamawolf** · 03-11-2005, 05:56 PM

Yeah, what Rhonda said... lol. There are also lots of great articles on the net that I've been reading up on, too!

**Layne** · 03-11-2005, 11:17 PM

Thanks, I've always wanted a compost pile. Looks like I've already got a good start. I'm off to the garden sticky for more advice.

**Mamawolf** · 03-13-2005, 12:08 PM

Day2:

Beginning construction! I'm ready to go!

Center piece done. All 1x6's are attached perpendicular lengthwise to a 2x4

Beginning on the sides... 1x6's are attached to the 2x4's on the small end.

When done, the ends look like half a pallet.

**Mom23boys** · 03-13-2005, 12:17 PM

Great job Brinda!! I bet you are going to have an awesome compost.

**forestdale** · 03-13-2005, 02:40 PM

Brinda! What excellent photos. Thanks for posting them. Looks like you're doing a great job there.

**Layne** · 03-15-2005, 09:58 PM

Thank you so much for sharing the photo's. I want to show DH the pictures to get an idea of how to build this.

What kind of wood are you using? DH was thinking of using treated lumber so it wouldn't rot, but I have heard not to because the chemicals leach into the compost.