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Thinking about composting...convince me.
I've never seriously thought of composting until recently. There is a free class offered by my city for either worm or regular composting. Additionally, they give free bins and pitchforks to anyone who attends the class. Sounds like a pretty good deal and incentive to start. And we have the space to put a bin.
How should I decide which type of composting to do? We have a gardener so they do most of the yardwork, but I'm sure they would be willing to set aside the trimmings for me.
Does a larger bin smell? It would be outside, but I don't want a really strong odor if we're out on the patio.
Any other tips and/or advice for someone who is new to all of this?
I'm trying to do so much better about being green. I've become so much more aware since moving to California almost 4 years ago. We are constantly having to watch our water consumption and energy use. Thankfully, our city makes it pretty convenient to implement green changes. So I hope to be visiting this board more often.
Emily
7-10-04 
Re: Thinking about composting...convince me.
Honestly, that is a great deal and I would for sure go to the class. I really want to compost- we used to when I was younger but we can't really here because I barely have a yard, there'd really be no place to put it or to use the compost. But as soon as we move I'm getting a worm bin!!!
No advice about what kind to use- maybe they'll go over the pros and cons at the class. Whatever the case, at least go to the class and learn the most you can about it!
Since your gardener likely uses chemical fertlizers and pesticides, i would go for a compost pile instead of a worm bin, for the sake of healthy wormies.
Best sound ever: baby's heartbeat! (Heard @ 10w1d)
A larger compost bin shouldn't smell if you've got the right ratio. Lots of kitchen scraps may make it smelly, but google "composting browns" for stuff to combat the smell.
We started our bin about a month ago, and we haven't paid attention at all to the ratios, but I've been pleasantly surprised by the lack of smell. I think the boat loads of dog hair are helping
Not sure how big your yard is, but mine is also tiny and I can't really use much of my compost so I give it away on Freecycle. People jump all over it!
I've never had a problem with mine being smelly from outside. If the balance is off a bit I can smell it when I open the lid, but I just give it a good stir and add some more stuff and it's fine.
Honestly composting is my #1 green thing. It's SO easy (I'm the laziest composter ever with regards to stirring, balance, etc. and it still does fine) and it's so rewarding (dork, I know) to see how fast something once destined for a landfill turns right back to dirt and melds back into nature.
Good stuff :-)