Composting Guide

Composting is a process that works like magic. Composting not only removes waste from the cycle, but it provides you with nutrient-rich soil you can use for your garden and plants. But the process not without questions. What is compostable and what isn't? What can you expect along the way? How long does it take to compost? What are these bugs? What are greens and browns and do I need to ratio them?

Let's break it down, starting with a quick reference guide.

Browns

Browns are carbon-rich materials that are slow to decompose. These materials are essential for creating a balanced compost pile, as they provide energy for the microorganisms that break down organic matter.

Greens

Greens are nitrogen-rich materials that decompose quickly. Don't let the name trick you, the term "greens" doesn't mean green in color, but because the material provides the nutrients necessary for microbial activity, which is crucial for breaking down organic matter. Some greens include:

• Fruit, vegetable scraps

• Raw table scraps

• Grass clippings – spread in layers to prevent bulking

• Scraps for home composting

• Flower cuttings & garden plants

• Young green weeds – as long as they have not gone to seed

• Chicken manure – speeds up the process

• Green hay – spread in layers

• Crushed eggshells

• Vacuum cleaner dust

• Tea leaves or bags

• Coffee groundsWrite your text here...

• Newspaper for home composting

• Cardboard– cut up

• Newspaper and paper – avoid glossy paper

• Leaves

• Sawdust – spread in layers to prevent bulking

• Wood shavings

• Woody prunings – cut up small to

• Hedge clippings

• Fallen leaves

• Pine needles – acidic, use sparingly

• Clean wood ash – sprinkle lightly, it is alkaline so can help adjust the pHWrite your text here...