I have a composting question I hope someone here can help me with. I have a barrel composter.

The problem I have is making a well balanced compost. I'm mostly putting in fresh grass clippings, some pine needles (not on purpose, they are on my lawn when I mow) coffee grounds, egg shells, peanut shells and fruit and veggie scraps. What else can I add to make it really useful our purposes here.

Thanks, YGB

I can't remember the mix but search it.There is a good way to do it. I use grass, leaf,veg scraps, paper, lint, and horse dung in the winter.

add red wrigglers! It's a special composting worm-- it breaks down everything in the compost, and fast! They also reproduce very quickly. If I were you, I'd buy some of them and add them in-- the worms will leave your compost rich with castings. 100% organic

Banana peels and any rotten parts of it, lettuce, cabbage, potato peels, just about any veggie part. Also nitrogen, the best is some manure tea IMO helps with the little microbeasties getting a good start. As mentioned also the red wrigglers are awesome. I personally don't add them until the temp has started coming down in the pile, it can get pretty hot in there. Good Luck and your plants are going to love you.

A good rule to follow is 3 part green matter to 1 part brown matter. Make sure you add soil in between the layers. I turn once a week and water when needed. I live in a hot climate so I tend to water alot. The worst thing you want is your compost getting dry.

-Shizzi