Description

what to and not to compost ?

## Composting: A Beginner’s Guide to What Goes In (and What Stays Out!)

Composting is an amazing way to reduce your environmental footprint and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. But before you toss everything into your compost bin, it’s crucial to know the rules of the game!

**Compost-Friendly Delights:**

* **Eggshells:** Crushed eggshells add a boost of calcium to your compost.
* **Coffee Grounds & Tea Bags:** These are a goldmine for nitrogen and make excellent compost ingredients (remember to use organic tea bags!).
* **Fruit & Veggie Scraps:** Don’t throw away those peels, cores, and stems! They’re packed with nutrients for your compost.
* **Paper & Cardboard:** These “brown” materials provide essential carbon and help your compost absorb moisture.
* **Sawdust:** A great source of carbon, sawdust can be added in moderation.

**Compost-No-Gos:**

* **Dairy Products:** Milk, cheese, yogurt – these attract pests and take a long time to decompose.
* **Meat & Fish:** These are a recipe for unpleasant odors and attract unwanted critters to your compost bin.
* **Diseased Plants & Weeds:** Composting these can spread diseases and invasive species.
* **Pet Waste:** (Excluding herbivores like rabbits) Pet droppings can contain harmful pathogens.

**Finding the Balance:**

For optimal composting, aim for a ratio of 2:1 (brown to green) materials. This balance ensures proper breakdown and nutrient-rich compost.

**Additional Composting Considerations:**

* **Coal & Charcoal Ash:** Avoid adding these as they may contain harmful chemicals.
* **Cooked Rice & Pasta:** These can attract pests, so it’s best to keep them out of your compost.

**Composting Tip:**

* **Turn your compost regularly** to ensure proper aeration and moisture content.

Composting can seem intimidating at first, but with a little care and attention, you can create a thriving compost pile that will benefit your garden immensely. Happy composting!