Installation Instructions

Eng

Nitrogen - "Green" ingredients range from lawn clippings, green leaves, manures to garden trimmings and

are ideal sources of nitrogen for composting. The same can be said of kitchen waste, such as vegetable and

fruit leftovers, which also generate nitrogen. Kitchen wastes are usually kept in a plastic container under the

sink. Before using them as ingredients for the composter, cut up the larger pieces before use.

Carbon - "Brown" garden ingredients such as dry leaves, twigs, or hay provide the carbon part of the

mixture and will ensure a lighter and aerated compost. Carbon is best provided by using dry leaves. Dry

leaves can be collected, shredded, and stored to be used all year round. If the mixture gets too wet or contains

too much nitrogen, add dry leaves. (Refer to BASIC NITROGEN / CARBON CHART for more detailed

information).

Water - A common mistake during the composting process is neglecting humidity. The compost should

remain humid all along the process. About 50% humidity is acceptable. How can we make sure that such

humidity is achieved? One can simply open the compost tumbler, grab and squeeze a handful of material in

your hand; if a few drops of water are released, it is most probably humid enough, if not, water should be

added by inserting a hose deep into the mixture so that not just the upper layer will get wet. Let excess water

drain out through the ventilation bores. The mixture should remain humid, but not wet.

Air – All creatures and mushrooms in the compost mixture need oxygen during the process. If the mixture is

too dense or gets too humid, the air supply into the mixture is prevented and the laboring creatures will

probably be exterminated. The process will slow down and a nauseating stink will start. To prevent this and

fasten the process, the tumbler must be rotated every second day or so. This would also be a good time to add

shredded leaves from the stockpile. Preventing moisture can also be achieved by opening the composter lid

for a few hours.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes during the process, you will learn from experience. It would be a good idea

to write down these experiences and keep some records; they might come in useful in the end! Refer to

TROUBLESHOOTING for more detailed information.

NOTE: The decomposing process has a lot to do with the surface area the tiny creatures have to operate on.

The best results are achieved when individual pieces in the decomposing mixture are kept small. So, cut or

shred larger ingredients into smaller pieces. A lawn mower can be used to shred dry leaves when no shredder

is available.

BASIC NITROGEN / CARBON CHART

MATERIAL

CARBON/NITROGEN

INFO

Table scraps Nitrogen Add with dry carbon items.

Fruit & vegetable scraps Nitrogen Add with dry carbon items.

Chicken/rabbit manure Nitrogen Excellent compost 'activator', use in moderation.

Coffee grounds Nitrogen Filters may also be included.

Tea leaves Nitrogen Loose or in bags.

Grass clippings Nitrogen Add in thin layers so they don't mat into clumps and putrefy.

Garden plants Nitrogen Use disease-free plants only.

Lawn & garden weeds Nitrogen Only use weeds which have not gone to seed.

Flowers, cuttings Nitrogen Chop up any long woody stems.

Seaweed and kelp Nitrogen Rinse first; good source for trace minerals.