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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Sunday - June 07, 2009

From: Visalia, CA
Region: California
Topic: Compost and Mulch, Soils
Title: Fruit in the compost bin
Answered by: Damon Waitt

QUESTION:

I have a compost bin and I use the pulp from fruits and vegetables as one of the ingredients in my compost pile. We juice everyday so will all this pulp be too potent for new seedlings?

ANSWER:

To get the most out of your compost pile you want to have about 2/3 brown material and 1/3 green material. Brown material include leaves, eggshells, coffee grounds, and bits of paper. Green material includes grass clippings and fruit and vegetable material. Mr. Smarty Plants recommends you read the USDA Tip Sheet on composting and keep your ingredients proportional.

 

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