A convenient and economical way of using your grass clippings, leaves and other organic materials is to make a compost pile or install a compost bin. Through composting you can recycle yard waste and food scraps instead of sending them to the landfill.

Compost is a dark earthy-smelling material consisting of decaying organic matter and can be used to fertilize or condition your land and improve plant growth.

Benefits of Using Compost in Your Home Landscape
- Reduce erosion and nutrient runoff
- Control and suppress disease and pest infestation
- Alleviate soil compaction
- Help save money
- Conserve natural resources

Here are some guidelines to make your compost pile a success:

1. Location
Place your compost pile or bin in a level area where there is good drainage and adequate sunlight. Do not place in full shaded area.

2. Add Organic Materials: What can you compost?

Carbon Rich Brown Materials
Leaves
Untreated wood chips and sawdust
Dead flowers
Vacuum cleaner bag and contents
Twigs, small branches

Nitrogen Rich Green Materials
Grass clippings
Plant and yard trimmings
Non-meat, non- dairy spoiled foods
Veggie and Fruit peels
Egg shells
Coffee grounds

Do Not Use:
Diseased plants
Grease, fat
Meats, fish and poultry
Bones
Cat litter
Pet wastes

3. Adequate Moisture
A rule of thumb is to squeeze a handful of organic material and if a few drops of water come out it is in the right moisture range. If no water comes out it is too dry and microbial activity is limited. If water pours out, your material is too soggy.

4. Aeration
Rule of Thumb: Turn the pile once or twice a month. A well-mixed compost pile can significantly hasten the compost process. Oxygen is required for microbes to decompose organic material. Lack of oxygen may cause foul odors to emerge and is not recommended.

5. Particle Size
The smaller the size of the material, the faster it will decompose and be available as compost. You may want to mow over leaf piles and shred sticks and twigs greater than ¼ inch in diameter if they are going into your compost pile. The smaller the particle, the more surface area for microbes to act.

For more information please call the URI Master Gardener's at 1-800-448-1011.
Plant Pro Tips written by Rosie Lalli, Coastal Fellow