Bloom Brilliantly with NOCTI 6157: Ace the 2026 PA Applied Horticulture Test!

Balancing carbon and nitrogen inputs drives effective composting. Greens are nitrogen-rich materials that are usually moist and soft—think fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh manure. Browns provide carbon and are typically dry and woody—such as dried leaves, straw, shredded paper, or cardboard. This distinction matters because microbes need nitrogen to build proteins and energy from carbon; mixing greens and browns helps achieve a favorable carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, around 25–30:1, which promotes active decomposition and reduces odors. If the pile gets soggy or smelly, add browns to absorb moisture and increase structure; if it’s too dry or slow to decompose, add greens for moisture and nitrogen.