Composting bay now open

Left to right: large volume green waste for dump, resting compost bin, active compost bin, brown grass clippings (under cardboard)

All my time living away from home, I either didn't compost or did so mindlessly, because I was renting (and moving every year) or living in a unit. The mindless composting was simply throwing kitchen waste into the bin that existed on the property and... that was it. I never observed it, let alone aerate, turn, water, or amend it. 

Several months ago, I invested in a round compost bin with the goal to do composting right. After all, one of the key take-away lessons I took from my PDC last year was about focusing on soil health. 

"Don't feed your plants; feed your soil, and it will take care of your plants."

Location of composting bay

I am now adding paper, cardboard, brown lawn clippings, vegetable patch waste, and sometimes pruned stuff. The latter is difficult due to the sheer volume of waste (think: tiger grass, creeping fig, and pandanus fronds). These go to the green waste dump nearby.

My first bin, I have now declared "full and ready to rest!", and the second has entered active duty. I plan to rest each full bin for about 3 months before use, and turn regularly with my handy compost screw. Today I was delighted to find worms throughout the compost, which is looking pretty good.