What to remember: Brown materials: * dead leaves * pine needles * straw * sawdust * never fill it; let the compost breathe * wood chips * dirt * newspaper * twigs * tree * keep it in sunlight when possible bark * cardboard & toilet paper rolls * hair * fur * dryer lint * cotton cloth * outdoors is best! * start with a bottom Brown layer Green materials: * grass * fruit & veggie scraps * eggshells * coffee grounds * tea leaves * tea bags * nut e general idea: shells * trimmings from most trees and plants As you come across organic materials, add them to your compost pile, trying to NO-NO’s: alternate layers of Brown and Green. * animal products * oil * grease * black walnut leaves or twigs * chemicals * human or pet Shred flat materials to stamp-size. waste * flour * food sauces * ashes * charcoal * nonorganics * diseased or mildewed plants * Cut larger objects to the size of your thumb. weeds * treated wood
3. Weekly Maintainence 4. Use it!
* Stir the pile to Plant Seeds * Water the pile to moistness 1 part compost to 3 parts soil * Add green material if pile feels cold to Plant Seedlings *Add brown material if pile stinks 1 part compost to 2 parts soil.
* Let worms & white fungus be! to Nourish Established Houseplants
* Try to maintain 50/50% green to brown simply sprinkle compost as-is on the surface of the potted plants’ dirt It’s ready to use when dark colored, crumbly, mostly smooth, and earthy-smelling.
Composting Guide by Lori Ann Gregory at www.SimpleMakes.com
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