Do’s and Don'ts of Composting Agri-science Mr. Bailey

Do’s Have a balance of “green” and “browns” Greens: (nitrogen) grass clippings, vegetable and non-acidic fruit waste If it is smelly after a few days Browns: (carbon) leaves, wood products, sugars

Do’s Layer the “greens” and “browns” with a thin layer of soil Watch what you put in your compost

Don’ts Acidic items citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes and tomato products, pickles, orange juice, etc., shouldn't be used in a compost pile Items can kill the bacteria that a compost pile accumulates over the course of the breakdown.

Don’ts Biodegradable, cooked vegetables, meat, dairy items, bones, fish, bread and grains, should not be put into a compost pile Items will produce odor and attract nighttime critters to your pile

Don’ts Plants that are diseased, varieties that are invasive, or weeds that have gone to seed aren't a good mix for the compost Disease and thus infect other plants or put new weeds in your garden

Don’ts Colored paper, glossy paper, pressure treated and chemically enhanced wood and wood items, and dyed human hair have chemicals in them that shouldn't be broken down to reuse in a garden setting

Don’ts Dog and cat feces, cat litter and human feces These produce gases that negate the favorable conditions that a compost heap should have