Can I use a normal plastic garden bin?
Leaves should be chopped or shredded before composting. This accelerates the process and keeps leaves from matting together creating an anaerobic, unhealthy environment. I run over them with my mulching lawn mower while mowing the grass. I don't bother to compost them; they go directly over the garden bed where they break down quickly. If you don't have access to a mulcher or shredder, layer them in the compost with other greens and browns. Be especially careful to mix maple leaves as they tend to stick together when wet and not break down. I'm not sure what you mean by a normal plastic garden bin but if it is designed with side air vents it will be fine. If you are low in green material to balance the pile, use manure or blood meal or another amendment with nitrogen. I've attached an article that I hope are helpful.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-leaves.htm
By applying the lime to the food scraps it seems that it would "foul" their food source.
Lime would not likely deter animals from food scraps.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/compost-pest-control.htm
I have raw sauerkraut that cannot be canned. Can I put it in my compost?
Yes, it can be placed in compost.
This link will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-kitchen-scraps.htm
Just finished your manure composting article and noticed it only contained domesticated animal manures. Are there any wild animal manures safe to use for food gardening?
This would give me pause since you don't know the health of the animal. Chronic wasting disease is a serious problem in deer. Here is what the Center for Disease Control, CDC has to say about transmission of this horrible infectious disease: https://www.cdc.gov/prions/cwd/transmission.html
Hi, I have a stack composter made out of terra-cotta. The last stack is where I leave the compost to mature, and when I opened it to remove the compost had a lizard running out. Is it ok to have those there? I anyway also put some neem fertilizer this time. Couldn’t find a neem cake as such. Do these lizards cause a harm to the compost pile. Do they eat up the organic matter? Will attach a picture of the type of composter I use. It’s called khamba. I went to a pottery near me in Dubai and got it done. Since I do not have an open space I’m having the composter indoors. Thanks, Poojitha
You have nothing to worry about. These will not hurt your compost at all! They might even help keep the bugs away some.
Is there a simpler guide like https://decompose.co but with simplified language that's easily understandable for children? I'm trying to have my kids put food waste in the compost instead of the trash bin & I want them to understand they are making an impact.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/composting-ideas-for-kids.htm
it is freezing cold now, but spring is coming...
Composting is really a good way to promote natural gardening. Like the NYmag, here is another article with pros and cons of good composter: https://homestuffpro.com/best-compost-tumbler-composter/
Good to think ahead! Spring is near. Compost is dear.
Here's what they look like:
https://www.google.com/search?q=compost+tumbler&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwionYyv_6XgAhXMQY8KHQkHDUwQsAR6BAgDEAE&biw=1600&bih=782
Here's a review with prices of compost tumblers available on Amazon.com:
http://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-compost-tumblers.html
Here's how to make your own, and how to use one:
https://m.wikihow.com/Compost-in-a-Tumbler