Folks who lack lawns may have a problem when it comes to the compost pile: a lack of green stuff to balance the brown stuff that's readily available in the form of fallen leaves every autumn.
Sure, weeds can work, but only if they're seed-free, and for some of us, our weeds are already ready to give birth to a dynasty before they get pulled.
There's an easy solution at hand, though -- literally at hand if you happen to be holding your daily shot of java. Coffee grounds have a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio that's roughly like that of grass, so adding some will turbocharge a compost pile.
The grounds decompose quickly, get hot and help to biodegrade coarser materials, such as wood chips and tree prunings.
Mix one part grounds to two parts leaves or small wood chips. And always mix grounds thoroughly into a compost pile for quicker composting and to prevent caking or thick layers that might sour or attract insects. There's no need to separate the grounds from the paper filter; just toss in together.
Tomorrow's tip: Other ways to use coffee grounds in the garden.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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