Whether you’re a seasoned composter or just starting out, fall is the perfect time to build a nutrient-rich pile from your garden cleanup. In Fall specifically, you are probably cleaning up your gardens from summer.
Browns (carbon-rich) provide structure and absorb excess moisture.
- Fallen Leaves—leaves are great to leave in yard, but if you have a ton, add some to compost.
- Shredded paper or cardboard
- Dry, spent stalks like corn stalks.
- Wood chips
Greens (nitrogen-rich) add nutrients and help the pile heat up.
- Vegetable and fruit scraps (peels, cores, and even rotten pieces are fine)
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Grass Clippings (add in thin layers)
- Healthy, non-diseased annuals from garden beds
Important Tips for fall composting:
Avoid diseased plants: Do not add plants that have disease or pest problems, as they can survive in the compost pile.
Shred Materials: Breaking down leaves and other large materials will speed up the decomposition process.
Layer carefully: Alternate layers of “brown” and “green” materials to prevent the pile from matting. Aim for a good balance, especially when adding large amounts of leaves.
Keep it Moist: The pile should be damp like a wrung-out sponge, but not waterlogged, especially with rain.
Cover Your pile: Protect your compost from the elements to keep it at the right moisture level and deter pests.
Insulate for winter: If your compost pile is exposed to cold, use a layer of leaves or straw on top to help insulate it and keep the microbes active.
With these fall-friendly additions and tips, you’ll set yourself up for rich, crumbly compost to use in spring.
The author of this article, Jeanette Huntington is a Paulding UGA Extension Master Gardener, trained to provide education for homeowners on horticulture, sustainable landscaping, and environmentally friendly gardening practices using unbiased, research-based information from the University of Georgia. For more information, contact Paulding County UGA Extension at 770-443-7616 or view our online resources at www.ugaextension.org/paulding.