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composting 101

-- Composting 101 --

The information below was produced for a composting workshop that Dave and I have done in the past - this explains what is meant by "greens" and "browns" when discussing layering. Layering materials in a compost will allow it to break down in the most efficient manner.

 
Greens:
  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Tea bags and coffee grounds including filter paper
  • Grass cuttings
  • Vegetable peelings
  • Old flowers
  • Nettles
  • Spent bedding plants
  • Comfrey leaves
  • Young annual weeds (e.g. chickweed and speedwell), avoid perennial weeds such as dandelions and thistle and weeds with seed heads
  • Pond algae and seaweed
Browns:
  • Dry leaves, twigs
  • Hedge trimmings
  • Shredded or torn paper
  • Egg shells and egg boxes
  • Cardboard and newspaper (scrunched up)
  • Straw and hay
  • Bedding from vegetarian pets
  • Wool and feathers
  • Ashes from wood, paper or charcoal
  • Corn cobs & stalks
Things to Avoid:
  • No meat scraps 
  • No nappies
  • No dairy products such as cheese 
  • No fish 
  • No cat/dog litter 
  • No cooked vegetables and leftover food from our plates
  • No diseased plants
  • No other waste and recyclables materials
** Conscious Discussions Radio: www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousdiscussions
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