Starting a compost pile/bin?

Question

I want to start a smallish compost bin or pile for mainly yard waste and some kitchen scraps. I understand the concept of what can/can't go into one, what happens, etc. I want an inexpensive way to make one. My ideal spot for this is an abandoned ditch on our property that is about 2 ft deep, maybe 2 ft wide. Could I put it in there if I turned it often, or would I need to build something? I bought chicken wire and stakes at Home Depot (what my grandma used for hers), but I'm not really looking forward to having to pull the whole thing up to turn the compost. Also, it would be fine with me if I never had to take the compost out of the ditch...I would be happy to have it compost and fill it in! Also, I don't have a wood chipper...what is the best way to "grind up" pine needles for the compost?

Oops, forgot to mention about ditch.
The ditch no longer "goes" anywhere. When are neighborhood was built, it looks like they filled in most of it, except about a 100 ft in our backyard along the fence.

Answer 1

Turning your pile is not required. It will become compost even if all you do is throw stuff on there. It just speeds up the process if you turn it a lot.

Ditto with the pine needles. Not a requirement to grind them. Esepcially if you're not in a big hurry abotu getting usable compost for your garden. The ditch will work fine.

Answer 2

Just remember to mix "browns and greens".
Browns can be leaves or anything of the like; greens are grass clippings, kitchen scraps (NO BONES OR MEAT SCRAPS), be careful with rinds as they can drawn rodents; chop them up finely and mix them into the pile well.
Keep the pile moist, but not soaking wet.
I built a 3 sided pile with chicken wire and stakes; I left one end open to go in and turn the pile occasionally. You can turn the pile over the side of the fence and then turn it back into the fence.
Turning every other month or a couple of times of year is fine, it just depends how quickly you want compost; the more often it is turned, the quicker you get compost.

Answer 3

I used three old pallets that I got from Walmart. They were broken, so they just gave them to me. You can make a compost pile without sides. The process is called "cold compositing." Just throw your plant matter in the ditch, and leave it there for a year or so. That will be the most fertile plot in your yard!

Answer 4

use your lawn mower grass clippens are good to start a compost..if you keep it in a ditch it might get washed away in the next good rain fall..