Top 8 tips for composting
Want to do something good for the earth that will save you money at the same time? Well, you should consider ditching fertilizer and make compost instead. For anyone new to composting, or for those who want to improve the composting skills, we’ve gathered a list of our top tips.
1. Get a quality bin
The alternative to building a compost heap in your garden, is to try a compost bin. They’re usually compact which makes them perfect for smaller gardens and yards.
2. Perfect placement
You’ll want to ensure you pick a spot that is level and well-drained spot so that any excess water can drain away easily. This also helps worms to get in and get on with the job of breaking down the content.
3. Put the worms to work
The humble worm is the perfect (and must-have) addition to any successful compost. They love the moist atmosphere of a compost heap, eating the waste material you put in and converting it into liquid feed and compost. The tiger worm is great choice for any compost.
4. What to compost
Good things to compost include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings and grass cuttings. All of these things break down quickly and provide important nitrogen as well as moisture. While slower to rot, it’s also good to include things such as cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up paper and fallen leaves as they provide vital fibre and carbon and also allow important air pockets to form in the mixture.
5. Forget these things
Meat or dairy products should never but put in your compost. Also, don’t dispose of any diseased plants, dog poo or cat litter, or babies’ nappies in your compost – these belong in the everyday bin. It’s also a good idea to avoid composting perennial weeds (such as dandelions and thistle) or weeds with seed heads.
6. Let it air out
Composts requires regular turning, which can be a tricky job without the right tools. Opt for something with a long handle and turn your compost as it helps to aerate and mix up the waste and cuttings, which leads to faster composting.
7. Add a booster
It’s a great idea to encourage the correct enzymes in your compost by using a activator. It helps to turn your grass, leaves and garden waste into dark, rich, crumbly compost in less than half the time.
8. Wait for it to be perfect
When your compost is ready you’ll have a dark brown, almost black soil-like layer at the bottom of your bin. It should have a spongy texture and will be rich in nutrients. When it’s ready, spread the compost over your flowerbeds this will greatly improve the soil quality by helping it retain moisture and suppressing weeds.
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