Compost Pile
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org

The microbes living in the compost pile need two types of food: brown and green. Brown foods are dry, dead plant material like straw, dead leaves and wood shavings. Green foods are fresh garden materials and can include leftover fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, fresh horse manure and weeds from the garden. It is important to have an even mix of green and brown foods.

 

Since the decomposition that takes place by the microbes is aerobic, it’s important to keep oxygen flowing to every layer of your compost bin. Otherwise, decomposition won’t be able to take place. In order to make sure oxygen is available to the entire pile, you can mix the pile or turn it with a spade or garden fork.

 

You compost pile should be moist so the microbes can live and thrive. If your pile is too dry or too wet, the composting process will be slowed down. Having a balance of green and brown materials will help maintain a good moisture level.

 

Of course there are some ingredients to avoid when composting. Never use human or pet (cat or dog) waste in your compost pile. When using wood shavings or sawdust, make sure this wood has not been treated with chemicals. Avoid diseased plants and pernicious weeds. You should not use meat or bones in your compost either.