Composting Dos and Don'ts for a Healthy Pile

What to Compost

Most garden plant material works if shredded for high surface area. Kitchen scraps, shredded cardboard, untreated sawdust add diversity. Add a handful of garden soil to inoculate with microbes. Earthworms and pill bugs help. Natural compost starters are fine; avoid synthetics.

What to Avoid

• Human/pet waste: Pathogens may survive.
• Grease, dairy, meat, bones: Cause odors, attract rodents.
• Citrus peels, eucalyptus, pine needles: Natural chemicals slow decomposition.
• Fireplace ash: Already decomposed; alters pH drastically.
• Diseased plants: Risk spreading pathogens.
• Rocks, plastic, Styrofoam: Non-biodegradable.

Golden Rule

"When in doubt, keep it out." Balance is key for a thriving, odor-free pile.