Mantis® Classic Tillers
Simple Steps To Perfect Compost
Location, Location, Location
Place your Mantis composter in a location that is preferably shady and out-of-the-way but still convenient to your kitchen and garden.
Assemble Ingredients
The secret to great compost is a balance of green matter (i.e., fresh organic matter high in nitrogen, such as grass clippings and vegetable wastes) and brown matter (i.e., dry organic matter high in carbon, such as fallen leaves, straw, etc.). Your compost material also needs air and water.
Chop Ingredients Before Adding
In a “cooking” compost mixture, billions of microorganisms chew up organic matter, converting it to dark, rich humus. The smaller the pieces, the faster this process takes place.
Mix and “Cook”
Turn the ComposT-Twin daily to provide the air necessary to “cook” the compost.
Add Water
As with all living things, bacteria need moisture to thrive. Add water, if needed, to keep the pile moist but not soggy.
Compostable Materials
To print a list of common and not-so common compostable materials, click here.
These things do not belong in a compost pile:
- Bones, meats, dairy products, or any products that contain animal fats.
- Dog or cat waste.
- Invasive plants (such as ivy and morning glory vines), poisonous plants (including poison oak and poison ivy), or invasive weeds. Check with your County Extension Office for recommendations.
- Plants that are diseased, insect-infested or treated with pesticides or herbicides.
- Any non-organic materials such as plastics or synthetic fibers.