beginning new compost bins

After 3 years of invading my sons mind, I finally convinced him that he needs to make compost. He has a lot that offers three 55 gallon barrels of grass cuttings every time he cuts grass. Also, in fall when leaves drop, our entire neighborhood is inundated with leaves. No one saves leaves here, they just neatly bag them up for garbage disposal removal.. I would have planned this a bit differently, however this is not my property and I consider myself very fortunate to have this at my fingertips. These photo's are just the beginning of my compost empire in Hatfield, PA.. I am feeling so grateful...

Going to be some good compost there!  It is true, "It's in the compost"

Thanks for the pics those look easy to try.  But how do you keep out snakes? 

karynne wrote:Thanks for the pics those look easy to try.  But how do you keep out snakes? 

That is an interesting question. I have never seen snakes in or near my compost bins. They normally only go where there are varmints, such as mice, to feed on. I guess since I haven't had a problem with mice, etc., in the compost bins, the snakes aren't interested.

karynne wrote:Thanks for the pics those look easy to try.  But how do you keep out snakes? 

Snakes ??? ...L O L ....mention snakes around here and there will be an exodus like no one ever heard of...
Foxes are running loose here, many folks even feed them now.
I would never worry about snakes anyway, they are seeking food, nothing to eat around compost piles, if there are rodents hanging around compost piles, then a problem exists in the compost.
Regarding the ease of putting up these pallets...All one needs is a support system for the backs. sides can be attached to the rear, front can be supported by sledging down some pipe, iron, etc. simple easy to do. I will be making front that can be easily removed for pile maintenance . I did screen off insides to keep heay stuff from falling through the cracks..
Pallets are usually free for the asking when found.

That's an AWESOME new set up you've got there Jimmy!!!

Glad your son finally saw the wisdom in composting.  ROT on!!!  

mollyhespra wrote:That's an AWESOME new set up you've got there Jimmy!!!

Glad your son finally saw the wisdom in composting.  ROT on!!!  

He knew all about the benefits having degrees in many fields. I believe I just gave him the boost needed... it's up and now I am maintaining it.
Photo's will be added as progress moves forward.

Looking good, Jimmy. Will these be turned? Are these just the collection bins or the actual composting bins?

Sanderson, Tuesday afternoon I checked temps on a SS rod I had inserted deep into middle bed. Was I ever surprised when I pulled it out grabbing the middle I received an immediate shock of heat. And it was hot, so hot I estimate the temperature at over 140 deg F.maybe more like 150 +... Today Thursday, I took a pitch fork  open up the center and loads of heated steam gushed out..Yes, I will be turning the pile, by pulling it all out and returning...The reason behind this rapid heat was we cut grass Sunday and I layered pile with green grass and last years molded blackened leaves.
I am very pleased at this as I never had results like this from anything other than horse or cow manure.
These are the composting bins, I need to improve the front. I have fence rings that will be my holding bins.