We have a pile of pine needles and dead ivy in the yard. Our haphazard composting system. We put most of the kitchen scraps into the city composting bin. Once a while, I might dump some stuff in the composting pile. Squalls and birds usually get to it before it has any chance of breaking down into nutritious soil.
I read somewhere that pine needles and oak leaves have too much acid, only berries would like them and other plants do not do as well with this kind of compost. A serious composting system need to be put in motion.

I don't want to spend too much money on buying new equipments, so I shopped on the free section of Craigslist. Lucky enough, someone is cleaning out a house to get ready for a sale, everything in the garden has to go! I got there just when a couple walking away with a 4-tine cultivator and shovel! Tools we need to do some serious digging. Despite the disappointment, I did score a car full of goodies. More clay pots, 2 panel of lattice border, an upright laundry basket and two old fashion fold out canvas cotbed.

What does any of these has to do with my composting project? Well, not all of them, but the upright laundry basket is great for a beginner's composting ban! It has a cover and perforated sides for ventilation. I am not sure if the squirrels are smart enough to lift the cover to retrieve pieces of fruit or vegetable scrap. Just have to wait and see.

As of now, I have layers of brown leaves, a bucket of fruit/veg composting and a large bag of coffee grounds from Peet's. Will need to stir them more tomorrow and break down the leaves a bit more.

Can't wait for the composting to get ready for the new bed. For now, I need to focus on my thesis and maybe shop on Craigslist more!