In my opinion composting is not an exact science, it takes trial and error. Start adding to it right away. You can put just about anything with the exception of meat, bones and dairy. Below is a link to see what you can compost. You don’t necessarily need a bottom to it, just put it on dirt or grass, and you will find that earth worms will make their way into it and the nutrients from the compost will just drain down into the ground.

Ideally you want it as warm as possible, so try to place the composter in the sunniest spot you can. As for your short season, your compost will slow down in the cold and pick up when it gets warmer. Maybe it will take longer to compost then normal, but it will eventually break down. Keep it moist with a good mix of brown and green and you will be fine. Here is that link.

http://compostguide.com/composting-chart/

I have found this site to be useful in regards to your questions; they have several products that should help.

http://www.cleanairgardening.com

Kitchen leftovers generally do not make good compost material, however fruit and veggie scraps do.
You never want to add meat or dairy. I suggest you throw out the leftovers and stick to only composting fruit and veggie scraps, the others will attract rodents

Do you have any recipes for natural pesticides and weed prevention or killing.

I have had difficulty with deer in my gardens and found that if you apply some cyan pepper to plants it discourages the nibbling.

If you have any more ideas, especially to prevent worms and diseases on fruit trees. I do not want to use pecticides that are dangerous and I several apple trees that supply fruit for me, but many other family members, friends, and neighbors. Whatever info you have would be greatly appreciated as well as shared with many other gardeners.

Thank You,

Rose Day