How Do You Start A Compost Pile With Nitrogen?
Compost is a popular fertilizer and mulch among hobby gardeners and commercial farmers alike. The key to good compost is maintaining the proper balance of nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. With all these elements, the pile of organic material breaks down into a usable substance with an earthy smell that helps plants thrive. Keeping the proper balance is not difficult and even a novice gardener can manage it with the right techniques. Put a layer of high-carbon material in the space for your compost pile. It should be 6 inches or so deep and 3 to 5 feet in diameter. High-carbon material includes wood ashes, small branches, shredded paper, fruit waste, leaves, straw, sawdust and shredded cardboard. Break up anything going into your compost pile as much as possible; shred paper and cardboard and break up branches and leaves into small pieces. Top your high-carbon layer with a 3-inch layer of nitrogen-rich material. This includes vegetable waste, manure, hay, coffee grounds and other food waste
