COMPOST RECIPE
1. 50-70% browns (leaves, hay, dry matter) The "browns" are the carbohydrate or energy foods for the compost organisms. By digesting the browns, the micro-organisms get the energy for their work. The bulk of the browns leave the pile as carbon dioxide breathed out by the “bugs”. Use a mower or shredder, if available, to reduce the particle size. Smaller particles have more surface area and accelerate the rate of composting.
2. 30-50% greens (grass, garbage, manure) The "greens" are the fresh, damp materials that decompose rapidly on their own. They contain nitrogen compounds that are important in allowing the population of micro-organisms to grow. Nitrogen is the key element in protein which is needed to make the tissue for more animals. The greens are also the source of most bad smell related to composting. They should be mixed completely or at least in layers with drier brown materials. Too much green material can collapse in volume and loose its air, and putrefy.
3. 0-5% black (dirt, old compost) The "blacks" are the innoculant, the yeast in the bread, that starts the process. Rich soil or compost has innumerable soil organisms. These bugs provide a "jump start" to a compost pile and can help reduce the time required. While not absolutely necessary, the blacks speed the process.
4. Water (damp sponge consistency) It is very important to have adequate moisture inside the compost pile. The vast majority of problem piles are too dry. Water the pile as you build it, not from the top at the end. Leaves are like shingles and should be stirred and sprayed to insure that they get wet If you do Nothing else, moisten the pile. The pile may also need covering during rainy periods to avoid water logging and losing air.
5. Air (bin with open sides, turning ) Oxygen is required for this "slow fire" we call composting. Without it, biological activity will be severely limited and a shift to putrefying bacteria may occur. This occurs most often when too much fresh green matter or garbage is added and not mixed in well.
Mix ingredients together and turn as you can. If pile is cool, and not yet humus, it needs to be turned.