What to add to a Compost Pile

The success of your compost pile depends upon what you add to it. Composting is a process whereby microorganisms break down organic matter (such as twigs, leaves, and grass) into soil. If you mulch your garden, composting happens on a very un-intensive scale at the place where mulch meets the soil. You will notice that, over time the mulch breaks down.

This page will give you more information about how to build a successful compost pile--whether in a compost bin, a compost machine or a compost pile.

Leaves are an essential for composting.  Leaves are what is called "brown matter."  They are dry sources of carbon for the pile.  The right way to compost leaves is actually NOT to pile them up in a gigantic pile, but rather to shred them and then add them. If you leave leaves large, they will mat together and turn into black slime instead of nice, crumbly compost. 

IF you don't have a shredder, that is ok.  You just need a lawnmower to run over the leaves and chop them up.  If you have a bagging mower, even better.  You can chop up the leaves, and bag them with grass clippings to add to your composter.

If your compost contains a lot of leaves, you may need to add additional nitrogen so that they decompose and don't just dry out.  Manure and bonemeal are great additives.

Kitchen Scraps are what is called "green matter," in compost-speak.  Green matter and brown matter have to be balanced in compost to acheive best results.  Kitchen scraps also add many minerals and nutrients to the compost pile.  For best use, follow these instructions:

• Chop up or shred the kitchen scraps into fine pieces before adding them to the compost.  
• Always add scraps with dry material such as dried leaves or hay.  Otherwise, you can upset the moisture balance.  
• Add the kitchen scraps to the center of the pile to discourage critters from digging through the pile.  

Newspapers and junk mail are an overlooked, under-used source of materials for compost piles.  They are also to be treated similarly to leaves, and are "dry matter" for the pile.  Always shred the newspapers.  As a mat, they will be too dense, not allow air into the pile, and will not decompose.

Lots of people ask if colored inks are fine for compost.  They are, in moderation.  Just be certain that you do not build your pile entirely of glossy junk mail and you will be fine.  

Grass clippings are one of the best materials to add to a compost pile.  They have a very high nitrogen ratio and will heat up and compost themselves if allowed.  The best way to use grass clippings in your compost pile is to add them in layers to other compost materials.  That will help soak up some of the moisture in them and allow for air flow.

You can always leave grass clippings on your lawn, if you have a mulching mower and do not need them for your compost pile. Grass clippings are a true "green manure" that you can also turn into your soil immediately.