Lesson 1
The Science of Composting
Balance greens and browns for healthy, efficient decomposition.
Understand your inputs
Composting is a process of balancing carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens). Browns include dried leaves, straw, cardboard, and sawdust. Greens include grass clippings, vegetable peelings, and fruit scraps. A good heap needs roughly equal parts by volume.
How to get started
If your pile is too green, it will turn slimy and smell like rotten eggs. If it is too brown, it will just sit there and not break down. The trick is to keep a bin for your kitchen scraps and a pile of dry leaves or shredded cardboard next to your bin. Every time you dump a scoop of kitchen scraps, add a scoop of cardboard. This simple step keeps the aeration balanced and prevents the heap from becoming a source of odour. Never include meat, dairy, or cooked foods; these attract pests that destroy your heap's health.