Compost is organic matter that has broken down. Composting enriches the soil in your garden; protects plants from disease; reduces waste; is good for the environment and is a great project for the whole family.
Compost consists of two main ingredients. ‘Dry Browns’ and ‘Wet Greens’. Some materials are better to use than others. Here are some suggestions:
Dry Browns are high in carbon and can include:
- dried leaves - saw dust
- shredded branches and twigs - pine needles
- straw - shredded paper
Wet Greens are naturally high in nitrogen and include:
- grass clippings - coffee grinds
- kitchen scraps - tea bags
- manure - egg shells
- cut flowers
What to avoid putting your compost?
- weeds that have flowered
- dog/cat waste (their worming meds can kill composting worms)
- deseased plants
- meat, bones
- citrus peels (too acidic for worms)
Any ratio of Dry Browns to Wet Greens will work over time, however, to get things going faster, a higher Dry Browns content will work better.
Where to compost?
Bins, piles, holes, self-container tumblers all work well.
How can you speed up the process?
- Keep materials small, they will decompose faster.
- Avoid clumped grass.
- Turn the pile with a pitchfork regularly to circulate air
- Keep pile moist, but not soaked
- Cover with a tarp to keep our excess rain, animals and add heat.
When compost ir rich, loose and dark...it’s ready!
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