Browns – dry material (Carbon) |
Greens ~ wet material (Nitrogen) |
B / G |
Twigs, bark, straw, paper bags, shredded newspaper or anything brown, like unbleached filters, cardboard ~ cut or ripped |
Kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, |
1:1 or 2:1 |
Start with “Browns” and layer up, alternating “Green & Brown”. When you add kitchen waste (“Green”) , cover it with a layer of “Brown” if possible. |
This helps aerate the pile, aids in decomposition, and keeps the pile from getting too wet. Brown keeps down insects and smell also. |
About ½ dry, ½ wet. or 2:1. |
…the pile isn’t decomposing |
add Greens |
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…the pile is too wet, or slimy |
add Browns |
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…the pile is too dry |
sprinkle with water
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YES |
Kitchen refuse, coffee grounds & filters, crushed egg shells. |
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NO |
Meat, bones, foods high in salt or fat. |
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Bin can sit, undisturbed, for slow composting, or can be turned weekly with a cost turning tool, pitchfork or shovel |
Aerobic composting is wanted, so air needs to get to the pile from vents, top, or by turning. Turning will create higher temperatures & quicker decompostition. |
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The following is a chart listing common composting materials
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The information above was taken from various on line sources and put together for Rebecca & Mike Bednar who are starting an outdoor composting bin! 1/3/10 Deanne Bednar