Compost Pile Tips or Notes

Location

• Place your compost bin on a level surface, at least 8 to 12 inches from any other structures, plants or trees. Loosen up the soil before you set the bin down so it can nestle in well and not move around. Choose a spot with at least partial shade each day, and layer 4 to 6 inches of dead plants and twigs at the bottom before you start.

Adding Material

• It is important to feed your compost an equal mixture of green and brown material to ensure a good carbon and nitrogen balance. When adding material to the compost bin, add browns, then greens, then about an inch of soil. Any food scraps you add should be buried in the middle and covered with soil.

Dos and Don'ts

• Some materials are beneficial to add to your compost pile, while others are not. "Green" materials that are good to add include coffee grounds and filters, plain bread, crushed eggshells, plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Acceptable "brown" materials include leaves, sawdust, grass, dryer lint and straw. Unacceptable materials include meat, fish, dairy products, bones, fats, oils, weeds and feces.

Uses

• Compost may be used around your lawn and garden to provide rich nutrients and help plants, flowers and grass to grow. Mix it in with the soil before you plant in your garden, mix it with other potting materials when repotting houseplants and scatter it as a mulch around the base of trees. You can also give it away to friends and family to help with their gardens.