Tips for composting
If you have a garden, it is worth thinking about doing some DIY composting. It saves transport costs, is simple to do and creates a product your garden and plants will thank you for.
These are some key points to think about:
- You can either buy a compost bin or make your own (preferably using recycled materials)
- Position the compost bin on the lawn or on bare soil, but not on a solid surface like a patio
- Start with a layer of twigs or straw, which helps air circulate and aids drainage
- Add material in layers, alternating wet (grass clippings, tea bags, vegetable peelings) with drier material (dead leaves)
- Egg shells are OK but unless you have a specialist composter, don’t add other animal waste
- Make sure the compost stays moist but not wet
- Cover the compost pile (if you’ve made your own) with something like a bit of old carpet. This keeps in the heat and moisture – essential ingredients for a good compost – and stops too much rain getting in
- It’s a good idea to turn the compost occasionally with a garden fork, although this can be difficult with some bought compost bins
- Wait and let nature take its course
- Use the finished compost in your garden, vegetable patch or potted plants
Did you know adding a top layer of compost to your soil increases its water-holding capacity?
For a comprehensive guide to home composting, click here.