Garden Guide
Greens and Browns Compost Ratio
A good compost pile needs nitrogen-rich greens and carbon-rich browns. The practical home target is usually about 2 to 3 parts browns for 1 part greens by volume.
Table of Contents
Simple Ratio
Start with 2 parts browns to 1 part greens by volume. If the pile smells or gets wet, add more browns. If it sits dry and unchanged, add greens and water.
Use the Compost Ratio Calculator to balance common ingredients.
Greens and Browns Examples
| Greens | Browns |
|---|---|
| Vegetable scraps | Dry leaves |
| Coffee grounds | Shredded cardboard |
| Fresh grass clippings | Straw |
| Plant trimmings | Wood chips or sawdust in small amounts |
Fix Common Compost Problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Smelly pile | Too many greens or too wet | Add dry browns and turn |
| Slow pile | Too dry or too many browns | Add greens and water |
| Matted grass | Grass added too thick | Mix with leaves or cardboard |
| Fruit flies | Food exposed | Bury scraps under browns |
Example Mix
For one bucket of kitchen scraps, add two buckets of shredded leaves or cardboard. Mix enough to remove wet clumps, then keep the pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
FAQ
Greens and Browns Compost Ratio FAQ
What is the best greens to browns compost ratio?
For home composting, start with 2 to 3 parts browns for 1 part greens by volume.
Are coffee grounds greens or browns?
Coffee grounds count as greens because they are nitrogen-rich.
Are dry leaves greens or browns?
Dry leaves are browns because they are carbon-rich.
Why does my compost smell bad?
It is often too wet or has too many greens. Add dry browns and turn the pile.
Can I add too many browns?
Yes. Too many browns can make compost break down slowly unless you add greens and moisture.
Which calculator helps balance compost?
Use the Compost Ratio Calculator.