Gardening and Horticulture - Compost

Any opinions on whether or not a compost heap could be started by using packaged compost cow manure as the base and then just adding to it? I have plenty of kitchen waste which could be used, but I don't feel comfortable in using lawn waste (clippings) as I have too much of a weed problem. I sure hate throwing kitchen waste in the trash when I know what it and other items could create in a compost bin. Also, any suggestions on successful ingredient mixes would be appreciated.

Probably not as the composted cow manure has already expended it's energy for heat purposes. Kitchen waste cannot contain protein such as meats. Any weeds in your lawn clippings will be killed by the heat if done properly, so use your clippings. Generally anything that will decompose will be good for your compost pile. Leaves, clippings, kitchen scraps, egg shells, etc, all will be good for the pile. Be sure to allow air to get in, and turn it daily so that air can penetrate to the core and allow heat to build up.