Composting Procedure

2 Parts Carbon
Brown Carbon Rich
  • Dry leaves
  • Straw and hay
  • Shrub prunings
  • Pine needles / cones
  • Chopped twigs and branches
  • Wood ash
  • Newspaper
  • Shredded paper (avoid glossy paper)
  • Cardboard (shredded)
  • Corn cobs & stalks
  • Dry lint (from natural fibres)
  • Sawdust (from untreated wood)
  • Eggshells
  • Brown paper bags (shredded)
1 Part Nitrogen
Green Nitrogen-Rich
  • Table scraps
  • Fruit scraps
  • Vegetable scraps
  • Fresh grass clippings
  • Lawn and garden weeds (if they have not gone to seed)
  • Flowers
  • Seadweed and kelp
  • Chicken manure
  • Coffee grounds / filters
  • Tea leaves (loose or in bags)
  • Corn cobs, stalks
  • Hedge clippings
  • Garden waste
  • Fresh leaves

Notes

1. Always start compost pile with a carbon layer first

2. Keep as moist as a wrung out sponge (not too wet)

3. Lightly dust with garden lime (Dolomite) once a month

4. Aerate by mixing thoroughly once every 2 weeks

5. Keep covered and place in full sun if possible

6. For best practice use a large variety of Nitrogen and Carbon sources in the correct ratio as stated above

7. Start 2nd Compost bin/pile once first bin/pile is completely full. When 2nd bin/pile is full the 1st bin/pile will be ready for use.