COMPOSTING 101

W HAT D O P LANTS N EED ? Fertilizer Compost

W HAT IS C OMPOST ? Compost is a rich, soil-like mixture that is produced when organic matter breaks down. When compost is added to soil, it adds nutrients that plants need and improves soil texture. Composting is a way to make a usable product out of things we might just throw in the trash!

C OMPOST AND D ECOMPOSE Decomposing: when organic matter starts breaking down (rotting) Compost: a mixture of rotting things that can be used to add nutrients to the soil

C OMPOST R ECIPE Water Air “Greens”: fresh grass clippings, weeds, peels, leftover fruit and vegetables, etc. “Browns”: dry leaves, tree bark and twigs, shredded cardboard, shredded newspaper, etc. Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungus, worms, centipedes, millipedes, etc. Do not add: Meats Dairy Fats and oils Pet poop Diseased plants Plastic or glass

Tree bark and twigs Shredded cardboard Dry leaves Shredded newspaper Egg shells Hay Coffee filters Tea bags Paper towels Receipts Dryer lint Pencil shavings Fruit peels Coffee grounds Fresh grass clippings Vegetable scraps Egg shells Salad leaves Weeds Old bread Citrus rinds Melon rinds Cooked plain rice Cooked plain pasta Browns: NitrogenGreens: Carbon

G REEN OR B ROWN ?

B ROWN ! Back

G REEN ! Back

C OMPOST R ECIPE Water Air “Greens”: fresh grass clippings, weeds, peels, leftover fruit and vegetables, etc. “Browns”: dry leaves, tree bark and twigs, shredded cardboard, shredded newspaper, etc. Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungus, worms, centipedes, millipedes, etc. Do not add: Meats Dairy Fats and oils Pet poop Diseased plants Plastic or glass