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How to Make Compost, a Composting Guide http://www.compostguide.com/ can be included. Most weeds and weed seeds are killed when the pile reaches an internal temperature above 130 degrees, but some may survive. To avoid problems don't compost weeds with persistent root systems, and weeds • that are going to seed. Spoiled Hay or Straw makes an excellent carbon base for a compost pile, especially in a place where few leaves are available. Hay contains more nitrogen than straw. They may contain weed seeds, so the pile must have a high interior temperature. The straw's little tubes will also keep the pile breathing. Manure is one of the finest materials you can add to any compost pile. It contains large amounts of both nitrogen and beneficial microbes. Manure for composting can come from bats, sheep, ducks, pigs, goats, cows, pigeons, and any other vegetarian animal. As a rule of thumb, you should avoid manure from carnivores, as it can contain dangerous pathogens. Most manures are considered "hot" when fresh, meaning it is so rich in nutrients that it can burn the tender roots of young plants or overheat a compost pile, killing off earthworms and friendly bacteria. If left to age a little, however, these materials are fine to use. Manure is easier to transport and safer to use if it is rotted, aged, or composted before it's used. Layer manure with carbon-rich brown materials such as straw or leaves to keep your pile in balance. Seaweed is an excellent source of nutrient-rich composting material. Use the hose to wash off the salt before sending it to the compost pile. The list of organic materials which can be added to the compost pile is long. There are industrial and commercial waste products you may have access to in abundance. The following is a partial list: corncobs, cotton waste, restaurant or farmer's market scraps, grapevine waste, sawdust, greensand, hair, hoof and horn meal, hops, peanut shells, paper and cardboard, rock dust, sawdust, feathers, cottonseed meal, blood meal, bone meal, citrus wastes, coffee, alfalfa, and ground seashells. Following is a chart listing common composting materials • Type of Material Use it? Carbon/ Details Nitrogen Algae, seaweed yes N Good nutrient source. and lake moss Ashes from coal No n/a May contain materials bad for plants. or charcoal Ashes from Fine amounts at most. Can make the untreated, Careful Neutral pile too alkaline and suppress unpainted wood composting. Beverages, kitchen rinse Yes Neutral Good to moisten the middle of the pile. water Don't over-moisten the pile. Bird droppings Careful N May contain weed seeds or disease organisms. Shred into small pieces if you use it. Cardboard Yes C Wetting it makes it easier to tear. If you have a lot, consider recycling instead. Cat droppings or No n/a May contain disease organisms. Avoid. cat litter • Coffee ground yes N Worms love coffee grounds and coffee and filters filters. 3 of 10 4/19/2007 2:47 PM