Composting -- Fertilizing

Fertilizer is needed for organic matter to properly decompose. Aerobic bacteria use nitrogen to multiply and break down the organic material.

A couple cups or handfuls of a complete garden fertilizer such as a 10-10- 10, 12-12-12 or 15-15-15 should be added to the compost pile regularly.

Avoid overfertilizing which can kill the decomposing bacteria.