just to ditto what others have said: * pallets - you can find them free on CL if you're patient - i used t-posts at the ends/corners for stability * chicken wire - a bit floppy, but stabilizes quickly when filled - easy to lift and move when full to start a new one * trash bins with drilled holes - expensive if you don't find one free, but works well * we used cinder blocks (free on CL) for our back wall and a foundation for the pallets on the side (to delay pallet decomp) - fourth wall is open * the mentioned 2"x3" coated mesh is expensive - about $50/pkg - may as well buy a commercial compost bin at that price, imho - on the other hand, the pkg gives you enough to make more than one if materials evade you, you can always just make a huge pile ~ freshair

I have found a couple of places that offer "Free" compost. http://www.laparks.org/dos/camps/facility/griffithPkCompost.htm http://www.torranceca.gov/9216.htm This one says its compost, but its made from sewage so be careful http://www.lvmwd.com/index.aspx?page=173 If you want a 3 cubic yard truck load delivered that I know is really good composted Horse manure check out this guy at http://www.RotoTillerGuy.com $100 delivered

It's an excellent idea, and the concept behind sheet composting - you take a section of the garden, or a piece of land you would like to become a garden, and build a compost pile there for a period of time. The soil beneath it reaps the benefits of the compost above, both by the action of the soil life moving up into the compost and by the compost settling on top of what will be the garden bed. It is problematic because it is possible for unwanted plants, in the form of seeds and roots, to survive in the soil below the compost and to subsequently thrive when the compost is moved to another location. With the awareness of that possibility, it is an excellent way to create new garden beds over the course of time.

ok I will be in carlisle Tuesday. I will be coming in off the pike. I have to go to carlisle barracks sometime during the week so I figure Tuesday is a good day to get bins and all. If this is a bad day for you let me know. I can play with the timing to be there most anytime of day. Step daughter is even gonna chaufeur me. Just send me the directions and i'll be composting away before the sun sets Tuesday