composting 101. w hat d o p lants n eed ? fertilizer compost

COMPOSTING 101

WHAT DO PLANTS NEED?

Fertilizer Compost

WHAT IS COMPOST? Compost is a rich, soil-like mixture that is

produced when organic matter breaks down. When compost is added to soil, it adds

nutrients that plants need and improves soil texture.

Composting is a way to make a usable product out of things we might just throw in the trash!

COMPOST AND DECOMPOSE

Decomposing: when organic matter starts breaking down (rotting)

Compost: a mixture of rotting things that can be used to add nutrients to the soil

COMPOST RECIPE Water Air “Greens”: fresh grass clippings, weeds, peels,

leftover fruit and vegetables, etc. “Browns”: dry leaves, tree bark and twigs,

shredded cardboard, shredded newspaper, etc. Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungus, worms,

centipedes, millipedes, etc.

Do not add:• Meats• Dairy• Fats and oils• Pet poop• Diseased

plants• Plastic or

glass

Tree bark and twigs Shredded cardboard Dry leaves Shredded newspaper Egg shells Hay Coffee filters Tea bags Paper towels Receipts Dryer lint Pencil shavings

Fruit peels Coffee grounds Fresh grass clippings Vegetable scraps Egg shells Salad leaves Weeds Old bread Citrus rinds Melon rinds Cooked plain rice Cooked plain pasta

Browns: Nitrogen Greens: Carbon

GREEN OR BROWN?

BROWN!

Back

GREEN!

Back

COMPOST RECIPE Water Air “Greens”: fresh grass clippings, weeds, peels,

leftover fruit and vegetables, etc. “Browns”: dry leaves, tree bark and twigs,

shredded cardboard, shredded newspaper, etc. Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungus, worms,

centipedes, millipedes, etc.

Do not add:• Meats• Dairy• Fats and oils• Pet poop• Diseased

plants• Plastic or glass