1. COMPOSTING: Easy as 1, 2, 3!

2. Step 1 Add brown material such as dry leaves, hay, straw, newspaper (non-glossy), sawdust, small woody clippings, etc. Add green material such as weeds, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, fresh trimmings from the landscape, coffee filters and grounds, tea grounds, and tea bags (Brown matter to green matter ratio should be approximately 30:1 but is not critical. Material will break down regardless.)

3. Step 2 Add water to keep material moist but not soggy Moisture is important for aerobic activity Without adequate moisture, the compost will not heat up and breakdown sufficiently

4. Step 3 Mix or turn material occasionally- approximately every other week This introduces oxygen into the pile, which is necessary for the microbial activity that breaks down the material

5. BLACK GOLD! Final stage is useable compost The material at this point should be light and crumbly (see photo) Add a 2-3” layer to you vegetable garden, flower beds, or your entire landscape