Complete Guide to Home Composting

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the tools, materials, ratios, maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting steps for effective home composting.

Compost bin or pile

A container for decomposition that can be a purchased bin, a DIY wooden pallet enclosure, or a simple pile.

Pitchfork or compost aerator

A tool used for turning the compost pile and adding oxygen.

Green Materials

Nitrogen-rich waste including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, and fresh grass clippings.

Brown Materials

Carbon-rich waste such as dry leaves, twigs and branches, straw or hay, shredded paper/cardboard, and sawdust.

Key Ratio

The optimal decomposition balance of $3:1$ brown materials to green materials.

Layering Process

The method of building a pile starting with $4-6\text{ inches}$ of brown materials, followed by $2-3\text{ inches}$ of green materials, and a thin layer of soil or finished compost.

Moisture Consistency

The recommended state of the compost pile, which should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

Turning Frequency

The task performed every $1-2$ weeks to add oxygen to the pile.

Active Pile Temperature

The heat range of a decomposing pile, typically reaching ${130-160}^{\circ}\text{F}$ (${54-71}^{\circ}\text{C}$).

Bag Test

A test to see if compost is ready by putting it in a sealed plastic bag for $2-3$ days; if it smells bad when opened, it is not ready.

Germination Test

A maturity test where seeds are planted in the compost; if they sprout and grow well, the compost is safe to use.

Meat, fish, and bones

Items to avoid in composting because they attract pests and cause odors.

Oils and greasy foods

Materials to avoid because they coat other materials and slow down decomposition.

Pet waste

An item to avoid because it may contain parasites and pathogens.

Treated wood or sawdust

Items to avoid because they contain harmful chemicals.

Finished Compost Signs

Indicators including a dark, crumbly texture, an earthy forest-floor aroma, unrecognizable original materials, and a cool temperature.