The Composter's Recipe Book
Create balanced compost recipes by mixing the right proportions of browns and greens for your small-space setup.
Understanding Browns and Greens
Successful composting relies on balancing carbon-rich materials (browns) with nitrogen-rich materials (greens). The ideal ratio is roughly equal parts, though slight variations work well. Use this interactive mixer to experiment with different combinations.
Browns (Carbon)
These materials provide energy for microorganisms and help maintain structure:
- Dried leaves
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Straw
- Wood chips
Greens (Nitrogen)
These materials provide protein for rapid decomposition:
- Coffee grounds
- Veggie scraps
- Fruit peels
- Grass clippings
- Tea leaves
Understanding Carbon to Nitrogen Ratios
The ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio for composting is approximately 25-30:1. This means you need 25-30 parts carbon-rich materials (browns) for every 1 part nitrogen-rich materials (greens).
High Carbon Materials
Dried leaves, cardboard, paper, straw, and wood chips are excellent sources of carbon. They provide energy for microorganisms and help maintain structure.
High Nitrogen Materials
Kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and fresh plant matter provide nitrogen needed for rapid decomposition and protein synthesis.
Common Ratio Mistakes
Too Many Greens
Excess nitrogen can cause odors and make compost too wet. Add more browns to balance and improve aeration.
Too Many Browns
Too much carbon slows decomposition. Add greens to provide nitrogen and speed up the process.
Large Pieces
Large materials break down slowly. Chop or shred materials into smaller pieces for faster decomposition.
Tips for Small-Space Composting
Start Small
Begin with a few ingredients and gradually add more as you learn what works best in your space.
Monitor Moisture
A balanced mix helps maintain proper moisture. Too many greens can make compost wet; too many browns can make it dry.
Adjust as Needed
If your compost smells unpleasant, add more browns. If decomposition is slow, add more greens.
Layer Materials
Alternate layers of browns and greens when adding materials. This helps maintain balance and promotes even decomposition.