Like kimmsr was asking, I was also wondering if you were actually making a lasagna bed. That process has many similarities to composting. You will likely gain more understanding by reading a little about lasagna gardening, and sheet composting (tons of stuff on the 'net). The way I sort of differentiate the two processes is this: Compost pile is to allow all organic materials to break down totally to a soil-like substance over time, and use that wonderful substance to amend exisiting soil or side-dress plants. The compost pile is usually a pile as described like 3x3x3 ft, or in a bin or box. The pile will decompose faster with an ideal mix of browns and greens (i.e. carbons and nitrogens), with optimal moisture, and with turning, but will also decompose (more slowly) if just left alone. On the other hand, lasagna beds are typically started with a layer of cardboard or newspaper to smother existing grass or weeds, often when creating a brand new garden bed, and then organic matter such as you described is added to several inches thick, some folks go to 18 inches high. You can then actually plant right in this organic matter, even if the matter is still fairly large and not decomposing -yet. Although most folks plant veggies, and perennials in there, I don't think the loose matter would support a large shrub or tree, for example. Over time, this matter composts in place and the height typically goes down quite a bit, the grass/weeds underneath die, and the cardbaord and newspaper decompose, and it ends up beinga lovely bed of good soil/humus. I agree the materials you are using are high in nitrogen (greens) and your area would benefit from the addition of shredded leaves or shredded paper or chipped twigs and branches. If you add manure and coffee, that is more nitrogen. I hope at least some of this info is helpful to you, and please feel free to ask other questions or share your experiences. It is never a bother. I enjoy the banter. Laurie in Mississippi

Hang in there! Now that you have your photos on photobucket, you're almost there. You can copy/paste the line after the words "html code" right below your photo to insert a full size picture in a post, or if you want to post a clickable thumnail, check the boxes you want, scroll down close to the bottom and click on "generate html and img code", click once on the code in the first box to highlight it, then do a copy/paste. In case someone doesn't know how to copy and paste: Highlight the text by clicking on it, use control c to copy it, then go back to your gardenweb message and use control v to insert it wherever you want it. If I left anything out or if something doesn't make sense, just ask.

You certainly haven't offended me or hurt my feelings, but thanks for your sensitivity! :) Sherry

SJP, Don't dread.....is there anyone in your area that sells a heat matt for plants? If not look them up online....It is the HEAT that makes them root...The warmer the soil temp, the faster it will root. If you are not interested in using a heat matt, then take your cutting indoors since it is getting cooler out, it stick it in the sunnniest window you have. If your cutting is in dark colored pot, the sun will heat the pot up which in turn will heat your soil. Just keep your cutting warm with lots of lite ok...It will do fine... I would not water it though. Don't let any water touch your cutting unless you know for sure you have roots. Water at edge of pot instead if your soil is bone dry ok. Mike