Food waste and yard debris make up about 25% of our garbage.
Grass clippings and leaves can take years to decompose in the landfill.
Uses For Compost
Compost contains nutrients and holds nutrients in the soil until plants can use them, but is not a substitute for fertilizers.
As A Soil Amendment
Mix compost into vegetable and flower gardens each year before planting.
As A Potting Mixture
Add one part compost to two parts commercial potting soil, or make your own mixture by using equal parts of compost and sand or perlite.
What to Compost
Grass clippings
Leaves
Flowers
Old plants
Twigs
Old potting soil
What NOT to Compost
Diseased plants
Weeds with seeds
Invasive weeds like quack grass or morning glory
Pet feces
Dead animals
Meat or fish parts
Dairy products such as milk, butter, or cheese
Grease, cooking oil, or oily foods
How to Compost
Soil Saver
HOT COMPOSTING (COMPOSTING TURNING)
Rich compost is created when you alternate layers of organic waste. It is easiest to estimate this ratio by alternating layers of "green stuff" and "brown stuff" as the compost pile is built. Example: A layer of grass clippings ("green stuff") twice as thick as a layer of brown leaves ("brown stuff") is a good ratio.
Keep the material as moist as a squeezed-out sponge. Occasional watering may be required to moisten the pile if it becomes too dry.
Turn the material (at least 4 - 5 times during the summer) with a pitchfork, shovel or compost turner so it's well aerated. You can turn the pile once a week but more frequent turning will inhibit composting.
Your compost is ready to use when it is a dark brown or black color, crumbly, humus-rich top soil, with the sweet aroma of the good earth.
