On 30 Dec 2002 10:57:50 -0800, (kn125) wrote:

I have gathered bags and bags of leaves from all around the
neighbourhood and I want to get as much composted as possible before
Spring. Any suggestions on how I can hasten the process? I have
brought a gallon of Medina at a local DIY store, but it seems
expensive to buy more of that... Anything else I can use to jumpstart
the composting process?
Also I wanted to mix some cow manure to the dried leaves, any place
where I can get some of this around Austin?

Nitrogen is key to speedy compost. Nitrogen feeds the bacteria
responsible for aerobic decomposition, and will fairly dramatically
speed up the composting process. Grass clippings are an ideal source,
mixed one part to every two parts leaves. Or a little fish emulsion
(or even ammonium sulfate) sprinkled throughout.

Save your Medina for the soil. Nitrogen is the principle rate-limiting
nutrient in a compost pile, and Medina to my knowledge is a low N
product.