Compost is often considered the single most important secret to a great garden, and no one knows that better than Meghan Starkey of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority in California. She loves to spread the word about the joys of composting and insists that it's easy to do. The "big four" basic ingredients you'll need are the following: - "Browns"--twigs or straw, leaves and other dead plant matter that is fibrous, woody and usually dry
- "Greens"--grass clippings, food waste and prunings from trees
- Air
- Water.
In a compost bin, layer browns and greens in equal amounts. As you add more browns and greens, keep the layering process consistent. Mix or turn the layers with a pitchfork to oxygenate the compost, then add water. Over time, the pile begins to heat up as the bacteria that break down the pile multiply. Keeping the pile moist and turning it frequently ensures more rapid decomposition.
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