Counter top composting bin? | Small Kitchen Garden Tips and Tricks

We live in a small older apartment complex. Every apartment has a small area for a individual garden right outside. Last year we moved in too late for me to start a garden, and all I ended up growing was my potted tomatoes and my kitchen herbs. This year, I definitely want to do a organic garden. I even have some seeds planted, and sprouting indoors right now.

We composted at my parents house, so I know how doing a big pile works. But I have to do it on a much smaller scale here. I bought a small kitchen counter top crock composting bin today that has the carbon filter for reducing odors, but I’m not thinking it will be as good as outdoors. I’ve never heard of or used one of these before. And I don’t want to be a bad neighbor with a large compost pile right outside, but I would like to do it. Any suggestions for composting in a small apartment area? Has anyone used one of these kitchen compost bins, and if so how did it work?

Also, I don’t want to buy store bought soil. I feel better knowing what’s going into my garden. If I’m growing it, I want it to be he healthiest it can be,