how to compost – Page 43 – Crazy About Compost

How do I know the difference between GREENS and BROWNS?

Have you ever checked out the Soil Forum before? It's a pretty interesting hangout that brings me back to the old days of forums and chat rooms, trying to absorb knowledge like a sponge and getting into a debate or two along the way. The following material is a repost from this link: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/organic/2002091508030485.html . It's a good page for those of you that want details and specific explanations of carbon/nitrogen ratios. While I'm more about simply adding everything and always supplementing with twice the amount of leaves, some want to make it more involved... This is a popular question among many first composters or organic gardeners. Regardless of the name, "Greens" and "Browns" are not differences in physical color. It is more technical than that. These terms are functions…

How to Compost in Bear Country

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Lr2e1IncU I really like this video... I view the instructions for how to keep bears out as the same as simply composting properly. Any time you add food scraps to the pile, be sure to cover it with brown materials. This will balance out the green material while not attracting pests. Personally, I don't find the aeration step necessary. If you add your materials as stated, the pile will cook and you will get good results. These compost bins are good, but be sure to check that air can circulate through the bin to some extent.

Anaerobic Composting – Is It Worth It?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPQ4U4vtWd4 Anaerobic composting is a simple and fun alternative to the usual ways of composting, which include using a compost bin, a tumbler, or worms. While it may be the easiest method, it takes a really long time to finish and it has different environmental consequences...more on that in a moment. A popular method I've read about is to use two thick black garbage bags, a bucket to measure out the contents and some water. Add equal parts shredded food scraps (no meat/dairy/seafood), soil+some finished compost, and "brown" materials (shredded leaves, shredded paper). Add some water to get the material damp, but not completely soaked. Tie off the bag, then put it inside the other garbage bag and tie that off, too. All done! This process is often said to…