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and straw are all classified as ‘browns’. There is less newspaper and twigs should be first broken or torn into
nitrogen and a higher carbon content in ‘browns’. relatively small pieces before shredding. Make sure that
any equipment that you choose to use for shredding is up
There is a big debate around what the correct ratio of to the task. Do not attempt to ‘shred’ thick branches and
‘greens’ to ‘browns’ should be but you could start by mixing sticks or anything that may damage the equipment.
a ratio of 4 parts ‘browns’: 1 part ‘greens’. If you find that 2. Do build your compost heap in layers, starting with a
your compost heap is not heating up, add more ‘green’ layer of the shredded twigs, cardboard and leaves (the
material. If it’s starting to smell, add more ‘browns’. browns) followed by a thinner layer of the vegetable/
fruit mix (the greens) from your kitchen (also shredded)
soMe don’ts and then a thin layer of coffee grounds and/or tea
To make sure your compost is appropriate for use in your leaves without the tea bags, if you have saved them.
garden, these are some of the things you should avoid: 3. Sprinkle with water after each layer combo is completed
1. Don’t add your doggie’s poop or your kitty’s cat – the ingredients should be moist, but not soggy.
litter – or the faeces from any meat-eating animal. 4. Mix with a large fork or spade.
You can add manure from herbivorous animals 5. Repeat this process until the heap
if you have it available, but it’s not essential. is about 1m² x 1m high.
2. Don’t add whole eggs or any meat products. 6. Cover the heap with a suitable covering that
3. Don’t allow any sweet wrappers, plastic bags or any surrounds the sides and the top of the heap.
other plastic products, coated papers, greasy take-away
containers, or treated woods near your compost heap. The compost heap should start to heat up of its own accord
4. It’s preferable to avoid adding weeds to the heap, after a few days. This is a good time to check the progress
especially if they have already started producing seeds. and, using a fork, dig the contents over so that the parts
on the outside of the heap are brought inwards and the
soMe do’s inner parts are pulled outwards to the perimeter of the
HoW to MaKe YouR 1. Do shred everything before adding it to the compost heap. Add more water if necessary. This is an important
step as the microorganisms working their magic do need
heap. Twigs, leaves, cardboard* can all be shredded with
air in order to survive. After about 30 days, you should
a shredder or a sturdy lawnmower that has a grass box
oWn coMpost attached to it. If the shredded pieces are still too big after have a crumbly mixture that you can start adding to your
garden beds, either as a mulch or mixed with the soil.
the first attempt, repeat the exercise. *NB: Cardboard,

By Ann Arnott

Waterfall Issue 10 2020 27