Compost Balance Checker
Adjust the sliders to simulate your compost mix and check for ideal balance.
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio
Adjust the sliders to analyze your compost mix.
Getting the Balance Right
Green (Nitrogen)
Greens are generally moist materials that decompose rapidly. They provide protein and moisture for the microorganisms working in your compost pile. They heat up the pile.
Brown (Carbon)
Browns are typically dry, woody, or papery materials. They provide energy for the microbes, absorb excess moisture, and give your pile structure to maintain airflow.
Why Balance Matters
A good compost pile needs roughly 50% greens and 50% browns. Too many greens, and the pile becomes a smelly, slimy mess. Too many browns, and decomposition slows to a halt.
Quick Tips
- Chop items smaller: Smaller pieces break down much faster because they have more surface area for microbes to attack.
- Mix and layer: Mix your greens and browns, or add them in alternating thin layers, always finishing with a layer of browns on top to prevent fruit flies.
- Keep it damp: The pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge—not soaking wet, but not bone dry.
- Aerate it: Turn the pile every few weeks. Microorganisms need oxygen to do their job without releasing foul odors.
Advanced Tips & Troubleshooting
The Squeeze Test
Test moisture by squeezing a handful of compost: if water drips out, it's too wet (add more Browns). If it crumbs away and feels dusty, it's too dry (add a splash of water or more Greens).
Troubleshooting Odors
Ammonia smell? Too much Nitrogen. Add carbon-rich Browns immediately. Rotten egg smell? Lack of oxygen. Turn the pile to introduce air.
High Heat Management
If your pile is steaming hot, it's working perfectly! However, if it stops being warm, it usually means it's finished or it needs one of the three essentials: moisture, nitrogen, or air.
Pest Control
To avoid flies and rodents, always 'bury' your fresh Greens under a thick layer of dry Browns (like leaves or cardboard). Never add meat, dairy, or oily foods to a standard garden pile.
Chop to Speed Up
Smaller pieces break down much faster. A whole pumpkin might take months, but diced pieces can vanish in weeks. Shave woody stems and tear up cardboard to maximize surface area.
The Role of Oxygen
Aerobic bacteria need air! Turn your pile with a pitchfork or use a compost tumbler every 1-2 weeks to prevent compaction and eliminate anaerobic "dead zones."
Winter Composting
Decomposition slows in cold weather. Keep your bin active by insulating it with dry leaves or burlap, and continue adding kitchen scraps to the core of the pile where heat stays longest.
Is it Finished?
Finished compost looks like dark, crumbly soil and has a pleasant earthy scent. If you can still recognize eggshells or stems, it likely needs more time or finer chopping.
Invasive Weeds
Avoid composting weeds with mature seeds (like dandelions) or persistent roots (like couch grass) unless your pile consistently reaches high temperatures (above 55°C/130°F).
Compost 'Tea'
Steep finished compost in water for 24-48 hours to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Use this "tea" to water your garden or indoor plants for a natural growth boost.