1. The basic ins and outs of composting C OMPOSTING

2. W HAT IS COMPOST  Compost is a natural process in which micro- organisms and macro-organisms break down plant matter and animal manure.

3. W HO EATS WHAT ?  Good composting is a matter of providing the proper environmental conditions for microbial life  There are over a billion organisms living in just a teaspoon of compost

4. B ENEFITS OF COMPOST  Improves soil structure & fertility  Diverts waste from the landfill  Keeps soil nutrients on site  Saves money  Can be a value added product

5. C OMPOST & THE SOIL  Increases organic matter content  Stabilizes elements such as nitrogen  Improves soil structure and ability to retain water

6. C HALLENGES OF COMPOST  Can stink if not managed properly  Can attract animals  Achieving necessary temperatures for pathogen/weed seed kill  Feedstock mixing  Limiting air, water, or food

7. H OW TO MAKE COMPOST Food, Water & Air  Add your feedstock  Use proper C:N ratio  Keep moist  Like a wet sponge  Turn frequently

8. C:N R ATIOS  The C:N ratio represents the weight of carbon to the weight of nitrogen.  The target C:N ratio 30:1  If higher the composting process will slow down  The general rule of thumb is 2-3 parts brown to 1 part green

9. B ROWNS : G REENS Carbon  Grass clippings  Garden trimmings  Green leaves  Livestock manure  Fruit and vegetable scraps  Coffee grounds and filters  Tea leaves and bags Nitrogen  Wood chips and sawdust  Shredded yard wastes  Pine and fir needles  Straw and hay  Dry grass and leaves  Nut shells Stale bread  Shredded paper

10. W HAT NOT TO COMPOST  Animal bones  Pet waste  Citrus peels  Oils  Diseased plants  Noxious weeds  Chemically treated wood products  Human waste

11. T YPES OF COMPOSTING  Vermicomposting  Backyard composting  Windrows

12. C OMPOST APPLICATIONS  Soil amendment  Fertilizer  Transplant mix  Erosion control mulch  Animal bedding

13. C OMPOSTING R ESOURCES  Your local county extension office  http://www.howtocompost.org/ http://www.howtocompost.org/  Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof  Let It Rot! by Stu Campbell