Browns are carbon-rich and include leaves, coffee grounds, sawdust, tea bags, paper, untreated wood chips, pine needles, straw, and more. Greens are nitrogen-rich and include weeds, corn cobs, eggshells, flowers, fruit and peelings, fresh cut grass, vegetables and peelings, and more. Mix browns and greens without water (about as much as a wrung out sponge). Water is very important for good compost. Stir once a week. Need more information? Follow these directions to make your compost.