Composting is a natural process, where bacteria and fungi breaks down organic waste converting it into a rich and useful soil-like material, which is of great benefit to garden and plants.
1. Why Compost
Composting diverts the waste from landfill sites and prevents the production of polluting gases and toxic liquids from these sites
Reduces the need to use chemical fertilisers in your garden
Saves you money by using home grown compost
It enriches your plants health and growth
It benefits the environment
2. What can you compost
Kitchen waste, egg shells (crushed), fruit and vegetable peelings and skins, coffee grounds, tea bags
Paper (scrunched up), egg boxes, cereal boxes
Garden waste, grass cuttings (not wet), hedge trimmings, leaves, weeds, woody stems, plants and old soil
Straw
Paper – towels, napkins, bags and packaging (scrunched up)
3. What you cannot compost
Cooked food, meat, fish, fats
Cheese and dairy products
Cooking oil
Diseased plant materials
Cat and Dog faeces
Newspapers and glossy magazines
4. How to make your own compost
Place your compost bin or pile on grass or bare earth in a shady location
Start to fill your compost bin with your compostable material
Sprinkle with water regularly and ensure to keep the pile moist
Get some air into the heap at least once every couple of months if possible by mixing the heap with a fork or spade
Composting can take from 6-18 months, depending on the materials used and time of the year. Decomposition is generally slower in winter
You can tell when it is ready as the materials will not be recognisable as they turn into dark compost. The finished product will be at the bottom of your heap
The finished compost will benefit your soil, it increases organic matter, attracts and feeds earthworms, helps reduce soil erosion and increases vitamin and mineral content in food crops.
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