Crazy about composting

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a composting workshop hosted for free by the City of LA. And whodathunk, I learned a little something...

Los Angeles has reduced its total waste production by 71% since 1989.

The benefits of composting include: saving money for the city; reduces water consumption in gardens/lawns; promotes soil fertility; and reduces the need for landfills.

Compost piles should be 50% green material, 50% brown material.

Compost should be moist like a damp sponge to prevent mildew growth.

Compost bins should be placed on dirt and not cement to help retain moisture and encourage worm activity.

Ingredients should be cut/shredded to the size of your pinky to ensure quick decomposition.

Compost can be used as mulch, soil conditioner, or potting mix.

Slow composting	Fast composting	Vermicomposting
Fresh compost in 4-6 months	Fresh compost in 4-6 weeks	Fresh compost in 1-3 months
Reaches a max of 100 degrees	Reaches a max of 140 degreees	Keep in a cool place to not burn worms
Mix once every 2 weeks	Mix once a week	Add new bedded every month as needed
Add ingredients as needed	Batch composting; all ingredients added at once	Add ingredients/bedding every month as needed

What to compost		What NOT to compost
Greens (wet)	Browns
Yard clippings	Dried leaves	Meat
Raw vegetable trimmings	Paper towels	Oil/grease
Egg shells	Shredded cardboard	Dog/cat feces
Tea bags	Straw	Diseased plants
Coffee grounds	Sawdust	Treated wood

Can't wait to get started!