The recipe for the most efficient compost is the right combination of carbon and nitrogen. “Browns” are the materials that have higher amounts of carbon than nitrogen. These are dried items such as leaves, twigs, straw, wood chips and sawdust. It is best to chop up the dried materials to expedite decomposition. “Greens” are the materials that provide a good source of nitrogen such as coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit and vegetable scraps and fresh plant parts. Manure is another green waste that can be added but ensure it is manure from farm-type animals such as cows, sheep, etc. and not pets (dogs, cats, etc.) Pet waste may introduce diseases into the 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 to get to work decomposing. If you do not have enough “greens,” you can use a garden fertilizer to get the nitrogen benefit.
Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent
