The Green Johanna Composter Offers a New Composting Alternative

The Green Johanna was developed to provide a simple, easy to use compost system to safely compost all degradable kitchen waste all year round! The patented design of Green Johanna means you do not have to know much about composting. Everyone can compost with the Green Johanna! This system can compost two parts food waste to one part garden waste. All food waste including meat, fish and bones can be put in Green Johanna.
 

Food Waste Composting

To fully appreciate the Green Johanna’s design it helps to consider what is necessary to recycle waste the way nature does. Every year the same natural cycle occurs; leaves, twigs and trees fall to earth, decompose and become food for new plants. Naturally occurring microorganisms, bugs and worms, together with oxygen and moisture do all the work. In the process heat is produced. These incredible microorganisms work at temperatures as high as 150°F! This type of composting is known as ”hot” composting, and oxygen in the air is critical to the process.
 

Why Make Compost? 

More than half of our “garbage” is biodegradable and can be composted. The nutrients that we take from the earth are now primarily replaced with petroleum-based fertilizers, which are expensive to manufacture, likely harmful to people, animals, plants and insects, and contribute to worldwide political and social instability. By contrast, natural nutrients, found right in our trash bins, can be easily converted into superior fertilizers without causing social, political or physical harm to anyone.

Despite the gloomy figures about how much waste we produce, the future is looking brighter. More and more people are starting to make compost, and finding meaning and fulfillment in turning their “garbage” into nutritious rich compost. When we begin to compost, we participate in the natural cycle and order of things. We also tend to become more conscious about what we buy, use and throw away.

Sorting at the Source Begins in the Kitchen

The kitchen is where you must begin separating the glass, plastic and metal from the material which can be composted. Simply add another bin in your kitchen and separate the waste that can be composted from that which cannot. Though, we recommend you explore the many benefits of a vegan diet, all food waste can be composted: vegetables, fruit, dairy products, bread, bones, fish remains, soup and eggshells. Coffee filters containing coffee grounds, tea bags, household paper, egg cartons, and wilted flowers and houseplants can also be added to the compost. Grass clippings, leaves, twigs, weeds, bark, etc. can also be composted. It is recommended to cut the waste into small pieces, as this gives the microorganisms more surface area to work on, producing compost more quickly!

The Stirring Stick

The Stirring Stick is an accessory that helps you aerate the compost effectively. It is made of wood and has two movable metal blades at one end. It is also an ideal tool for removing the final compost.

This is No Ordinary Compost System!

·        The Green Johanna allows you to compost all your food waste. This means bones, bread, dairy, eggshell, fish, fruit, meat, soup and vegetables can all be used and composted, as well as coffee filters, teabags, household papers, egg cartons, wilted flowers and dead houseplants.

·        The Green Johanna allows you to make compost all the year round. No matter how cold the outside temperature, compost can be made all year long thanks to the special shape of the Green Johanna and the use of the optional Green Johanna Winter Jacket.

·        The Green Johanna produces the finest quality compost. The final product is fully broken down and appears as a moist, nutrient-rich soil, the ultimate treat for our favorite garden plants.

·        The Green Johanna features adjustable ventilation. With the lockable lid the variations in compost temperature and quality can easily be adjusted and controlled.

·        The Green Johanna is easy to empty. Unlike most compost systems that must be dismantled in order to be emptied or require digging from the top, the Green Johanna allows you to draw only the completed compost from the bottom without disturbing the process that is continuing above.

·        The Green Johanna is rodent proof. Thanks to the lockable lid, the base and the small ventilation holes, it is virtually impossible for rodents to penetrate.

Installation of Your Green Johanna 

1. Stand the Green Johanna on level soil or grass in a shady corner of the garden. The container should be in as sheltered a location as possible and not too far from the house.
    
2. The Green Johanna will perform at its best when placed out of direct sun light; the more shaded the area the better.
    
3. Standing the Green Johanna on soil or grass will allow worms and microorganisms to migrate in and out of the compost and help break down the waste.

**For a Full Diagram of the Green Johanna Click Here:
 

How Do I Start Composting with the Green Johanna?

1.      Cover the whole base plate with a loose layer of twigs and other coarse garden material to a depth of about 4 to 8 inches. This should be covered with a layer of fine garden waste, followed by mature compost or soil. You can now begin to add your household waste. In the winter, you follow the same process, also adding one or two bucketfuls of farmyard manure or compost from an ongoing composting process.

2.      The importance of layering
It is important to layer garden and household waste properly. The best combination is one part garden waste (or soil, planed shavings, sawdust) to two parts kitchen scraps. Layers of one substance should never be too thick. Don't forget to scatter and mix the material as finely as possible, as this helps to speed up the process.

3.      Aerating
Mix and aerate the uppermost layer of the compost every time you add new material. This ensures that the microorganisms, which live and work in the compost, are able to do their job successfully. Once in a while, it is necessary to aerate the compost deeper down. This is done by carefully moving the stirring stick up and down in the compost.

4.      Covering new waste
As you add new waste, the compost will shrink. Always cover the new household waste with garden litter. You won't usually have to buy garden litter. It is to your own advantage to make your own from hedge clippings, trimmings from bushes and trees and other garden waste, simply by grinding it in a compost mill or run a lawn mover over light trimmings. This is the best litter for your compost and, during the autumn, you should save garden waste to use in winter.

5.      When is it ready and how do you empty it out?
Depending on the conditions the compost will be ready after four to six months. It looks and feels like soil, smells good, is pleasant to the touch and crumbles readily. The easiest way to empty your Green Johanna is to remove the composted material through the two doors at the base. That way, you'll only get mature compost, and you'll avoid having to sort and start the process over again. It's even better if you have two or more Green Johannas, as you'll be able to let the compost in one mature fully while you continue adding to the other. Try to organize your composting process, so that you have humus ready in time for spring, when you need the nutrients for your plants.

6.      Where do you put the mature compost?
The mature compost, which has become humus, can be spread on the earth all year round (e.g. around trees, bushes and on vegetable patches). The compost can be dug in, but if the mulch is not ready, the decomposition process will continue and steal the oxygen from the plants. In the autumn, however, half-ready compost is ideal for digging in to the earth. You can also let the compost lie and mature in a simple container or in a covered heap if you do not need it straight away.

There is no better compost than homemade compost. No soil is as nutritious and of such high quality as that which comes from a hot compost and which contains both garden and household waste. The compost produced in Green Johanna is a rich nutrient supplement for your garden. You'll notice the difference in everything you grow: vegetables will taste better and flowers will grow and flourish!
 

The Green Johanna Winter Jacket

The optional Green Johanna Winter Jacket should be placed over the Green Johanna when the average outdoor temperature consistently falls below 40°F, and removed when the temperature is constantly above 50°F. It is essential that the winter jacket is removed as the relative air temperature rises, otherwise the compost will burn, in which event the microorganisms die and the process is halted.

Green Johanna Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I compost organic waste from the home?
  A large portion of garden waste and food scraps collected by municipal waste companies ends up being disposed of in landfills or incinerated. If you decide to compost you will be helping to reduce the amount of buried or burned waste. Allowing organic wastes to break down in a composter is more beneficial to the environment and to you. Landfills can produce far more greenhouse gases when breaking down organic matter than a home composter and with home composting you’ll end up with a usable material to put back in your garden as a bonus for your efforts.
   
• Why should I choose the Green Johanna?
  The Green Johanna is a superior composter designed so that the contents are well ventilated, given free drainage and kept in a protected environment during the breakdown process. Its special conical shape helps prevent waste sticking to the inside--leaving space for the air to move around. As long as you follow the simple instructions, you should find the Green Johanna easy to use.
   
• What is the Green Johanna made of?
  The Green Johanna is made of a durable plastic that resists the elements including extreme temperatures. It comes with a 5-year warranty.
   
• How do you start?
  Since good air circulation is important to ensure efficient operation of your Green Johanna you will need to place branches and twigs in a 4” to 8” layer inside at the base. Then, add your garden and kitchen waste.
   
• Can I place the Green Johanna in direct sunlight?
  No. The contents should not be allowed to get too hot since this can kill off the beneficial microbes breaking down the contents.
   
• How much waste can it take?
  It is designed for a household with up to five people together with the compostable waste produced from an average garden. However since this is extremely variable, if you believe you are filling it too quickly it would be recommended to have a second Green Johanna. Remember a garden produces less waste in winter. Some of the material in summer can be kept to layer in with food waste during winter.
   
• What are the dimensions of the Green Johanna?
  The Green Johanna is 36 inches across at the base, the lid is 21 inches wide and its overall height is 38 inches. It weighs approximately 22 lbs.
   
• Why are there holes in the base?
  This allows naturally occurring insects and worms to gain access to the composter to aid in the breakdown process. It also lets excess moisture out into the ground.
   
• Where should you locate a Green Johanna?
  Aim to have the Green Johanna as close to the kitchen as possible, as you may want to put food waste in the composter several times a week. The composter should stand on soil or grass, so that the worms can get in through the holes in the base. A good place is among trees, which give shade. The trees will also offer a certain amount of protection from the cold in winter.
   
• Why are the contents in the composter warm during the composting process?
  When the microorganisms are actively breaking down waste, energy is released. How warm the compost gets depends on what you have put in, together with levels of oxygen and moisture.
   
• Do I have to add any chemicals to get started?
  No. Absolutely not! In fact chemicals may upset the natural balance of the system.
   
• Can I put my kitchen waste directly in the compost without the branches and twigs first?
  No. A good flow of air at the base is essential for efficient operation of the Green Johanna.
   
• Can I mix garden waste and kitchen waste?
  Yes. It is recommended that you put one part garden waste and two parts kitchen waste in to help balance the carbon and nitrogen levels which will make better compost more quickly.
   
• Can I still use the composter if I only have kitchen waste?
  Yes.  If you add layers of sawdust (this will add carbon to balance the nitrogen in the food waste).
   
• What can I put in my composter?
  From the kitchen: Fruit, vegetables, dairy products, fish, shellfish, meat, bones, coffee grounds with filter, teabags, eggshells, bread, sauce, soup, egg cartons and so on.
  From the garden: Grass, leaves, twigs and branches.
   
• What are rich in carbon?
  Sawdust, twigs, leaves and paper.
   
• What are rich in nitrogen?
  Eggs, fish and meat. Newly cut grass also contains a lot of nitrogen.
   
• What kind of paper from the household can be thrown into the compost bin?
  Unbleached crepe paper, napkins, coffee filters, and torn egg cartons.
   
• What should I do if I put a lot of meat in the compost bin?
  Put sawdust on the top and close (but not entirely) the ventilation for a few days, so flies can't get in.
   
• What kind of material should I spread over the kitchen waste?
  Sawdust, torn egg cartons, garden waste. (Carbon rich material).
   
• What type of carbon rich material should not be used in the compost?
  Ashes, lime and newspapers (due to the risk of lead in the ink).
   
• What can't I put in my composter?
  Glass, plastic, rubber, paint, chemicals, fabric, pet litter and so on.
   
• Can I just throw everything in the compost in no special order?
  No. You should put material rich in carbon and material rich in nitrogen in layers.
   
• Should material be broken up before being thrown into the compost?
  Ideally you should break up the material into small pieces, allowing the microorganisms and worms to work more quickly.
   
• If I don't put the material in layers, what happens?
  If you mainly throw material rich in nitrogen in the compost, it will get too wet and start to rot and smell. If you then on the other hand throw in too much material rich in carbon the process will go very slowly or stop.
   
• How thick should the layers of material be in my composter?
  Not more than 2 inches.
   
• How much newly cut grass can I put in my composter?
  Avoid large amounts of grass as this can prevent oxygen getting through and slow or stop the process.
   
• Can weeds grow in my composter?
  Generally no, as they will be killed in the high temperatures generated inside.
   
• What does the compost smell like?
  There should be little or no smell coming from a working composter that is monitored for a properly layered mix of carbon rich and nitrogen rich compostable materials.
   
• Why does some compost smell of ammonia?
  If you have too little material rich in carbon you will get a surplus of nitrogen. This nitrogen turns into ammonia and gives off an odor. If your compost smells like ammonia, it is important that air can get in to the compost. Mix the contents properly with the stirring stick provided according to the instructions and add some material rich in carbon.
   
• Is it vital that I mix the contents?
  Yes. The microorganisms need oxygen to be able to work.
   
• How do I use the stirring stick?
  The stick is made of wood with two metal wings at one end. The wings will fold when you push the stick into the material and unfold when you pull it up. Oxygenate the compost with the stick every time you throw something in, blend the new material with the old. Do not use the stirring stick deeper than 4-6 inches, as only the top layer should be aerated.
   
• Can I put oak leaves in my compost?
  Yes, but they contain a high level of tannic acid and therefore it takes a long time for them to compost into soil. In order to speed up the process you should first put the oak leaves in a sealed (vacuum-sealed if possible) plastic bag for a month or two before adding to the compost pile.
   
• Can I put moss in my compost?
  Only in small amounts.
   
• Can I put citrus peel in my compost?
  Yes you can, but ideally break it up a little first and mix in with other food or compost.
   
• Can I put cat and dog litter in my compost?
  No. You should avoid this, as it can be toxic.
   
• If the composting process has stopped, what can I do to restart it?
  Empty the contents out onto the ground. Add some water and mix in some carbon-rich material. On the bottom of the composter layer branches and twigs as before. Place the material back into the composter and start over again.
   
• If the contents start to rot (go anaerobic) what can I do?
  Add sawdust, torn egg cartons or paper, as they will help to absorb excess moisture.
   
• What should I do if there are a lot of flies in my compost?
  Add material rich in carbon, such as sawdust.
   
• What should I do if I have a lot of ants in my compost?
  Ants are a sign that the compost is too dry. Add water and stir with your stirring stick.
   
• How long will it take before the contents are "ready"?
  The first batch may be ready in approximately six months, thereafter every three to four months depending on many different factors.
   
• How often should I empty my Green Johanna?
  Twice a year--spring and autumn. The Green Johanna makes compost in as little as every 4 to 6 months.
   
• Can you use the composter during the wintertime?
  Yes, with the Green Johanna you can order the optional winter jacket that protects against the cold and the wind. It works to insulate the composter down to approximately -10°F. It is recommended that the winter jacket be used when the temperature drops below approximately 40 degrees.
   
• How is the winter jacket assembled?
  Full instructions come with the winter jacket and it is very simple to put together. It is important that you add the winter jacket with the Green Johanna standing on its base. If you do not, you may find it prevents the lid closing.
   
• Can I leave the winter jacket on during the summer?
  No, you should remove it when the temperature will no longer fall below 50 degrees. If you leave it on, the Green Johanna may overheat and stop working correctly.
   
• What should I do if the contents in the Green Johanna have frozen?
  Pour warm water over the contents (around 100 degrees) together with some further kitchen or garden waste to reintroduce microbes. If you know that the compost was too wet when it froze, try without water, using only the organic matter. An alternative method is to place a plastic drink bottle containing boiled water into the compost. The warmth from the hot water through the bottle will help to thaw the compost. Please take extreme care when handling hot water.