The most efficient compost has the right combination of carbon (browns) and nitrogen
(greens) ingredients. Examples of browns include dried items such as leaves, twigs, straw,
wood chips and sawdust. It is best to chop up the dried materials to expedite decomposition.
Examples of greens are coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit/vegetable scraps and fresh plant
parts. Manure from farm-type animals (cows, sheep, etc.) is another green waste that can be added. Pet waste should not be used in compost.
Layer the compost pile alternating between six to eight inches of brown waste and two
to three inches of green waste until the pile reaches three to five feet tall. You can wet
down each layer of “browns” as you build the pile. This combination of materials creates
an ideal environment for microorganisms that promote decomposing.
Should I Compost My Tomato Plants?
There are some common problems that occur with tomatoes which can easily spread to next year’s garden if the compost heap does not reach adequate temperatures for a long enough period of time to kill the spores. A compost pile that is not properly balanced with
the amount of greens and browns and/or one that is not maintained to promote air circulation will not decompose as quickly. If compost is used before it is fully decomposed, diseases can easily spread to the plants it is supposed to be supporting.
If you suspect, or know, your current plants are harboring a disease, it is safest to destroy them when they have finished producing, rather than composting them.
