Green plant materials are higher in nitrogen and include fresh leaves, soft stems, spoiled plant foods from the refrigerator, small amounts of manures from plant eating animals, deadheaded flowers, and weeds that have not set seed. Note that grass clippings are best left on the lawn where they will recycle organic nitrogen back into new grass growth. If used in compost, they too are a nitrogen nutrition source. Moisture is essential for life and the microorganisms that break down plant wastes are no exception. Regulate the amount and frequency of watering to maintain optimum moisture, less in spring and more in the heat of summer.
Air is also necessary to sustain the decomposition.
Provide air by stirring, turning, or inserting pipe with holes for air channels. Turning over the entire mass is the ultimate aerator. Fast working microbes require the air supply be replenished by turning or stirring once a week. Chop or shred plant materials into chunks of no more than one to two inches for efficient composting. A mix of fine and coarse textured materials works best.