Composting Tips

Why should I compost?

Home Composting is great for our environment! It can significantly reduce the amount of our rubbish that needs to be transported to, and then disposed of in landfill sites.

Approximately half the contents of the average household bin can be composted at home.

When biodegradable material such as garden waste and vegetable peelings rot down in a landfill site, it does so without air and creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

By composting at home you can produce your own nutrient rich compost which will improve the quality of your soil and will help your garden flourish naturally without the use of chemical fertilizers.

Composting can also save you money too as it can be used instead of buying peat based compost.

Composting is for everyone not just gardeners. Just give it a try to see how easy it is!
 
What do I need to compost?

•A suitable container
•Kitchen and garden waste
•Warmth and moisture
•Air

How do I compost?

•Site your compost bin on bare soil which makes it very easy for beneficial microbes and insects to gain access to the rotting material. It should also be on a level, well drained spot that is easy to get to all year round.
•The correct mix of ingredients needs to be added to your compost bin in order to make sure everything composts readily. It is important that you add both green and brown materials into your compost bin (see what to compost).
•Ensure that there is plenty of air in the compost – add leaves and scrunched up paper, or use a fork to mix the materials regularly. Too much of any one material will slow down the composting process so make sure you put in a good mix of green and brown material. The compost will also need water, if it’s too dry it won’t do anything.
•Keep adding materials, and when your compost resembles dark soil, it will be ready. This can take any time from 6 – 24 months.

What to compost?

Green materials are soft, quick to rot and high in nitrogen and moisture.

Green materials include:
•Fruit and vegetable peelings
•Hedge trimmings
•Grass clippings
•Weeds (avoid persistent weeds & weeds in seed)
•Tea bags & coffee grounds
Brown materials are dry and slower to rot. They provide fibre, carbon and also allow important air pockets to form in the mixture.
•Leaves
•Twigs
•Scrunched up or shredded paper & card (egg boxes, toilet roll centres, envelopes)
•Crushed egg shells
•Dead cut flowers

No garden?

Two local crofters say they are happy to provide a collection point for composting vegetable matter on their croft.

For help with siting your compost bin or to discuss any problems you may be having just ring Sandy Masson on 01471 8444700. If you have any comments or tips please use the comments box below.