So, thinking of making a raised compost "bed"... suggestions?

[SaltyNuts]

I've got a couple of 4'x4'x1' raised garden beds. I was thinking of making a similar raised bed, but for composting. But maybe not quite as big - 3x3? And taller - like 3'? 4'? Any suggestions? I would throw in kitchen scarps from time to time, lawn clippings, and dirt as well to help the earthworms get in there and nibble at the organics on the fringes of the dirt. What dirt would I just for this purpose? Just general topsoil? Or should I start with a compost soil? Seems to defeat the purpose a little, but if that helps, that is what I'll do! Thanks for any tips!!!

 

[Gardener]

Fill the bottom with clean yardwaste (no seeds, no weeds) or rotted wood, kitchen scraps...all works well. Be careful with grass clippings, once grass starts forming seed heads you don't want to use it.

The bigger question is what do you fill/top off the box with. Some folks use straight compost, but that can be a problem because its too heavy/dense when wet. If using compost, minimally I would amend it with peatmoss. And maybe some pearlite or vermiculite, which you can purchase by the bag.

You could also buy a quality potting soil, but what I am describing is a way to make your own. Remember that all of these products...potting soil, peat moss, compost...contain no actual "soil". You can research "making your own soilless mix" online.