What is Composting?
Composting is the natural process of decomposing organic materials, such as apple cores, carrot tops, eggshells, paper, and cardboard into a nutrient soil enhancer known as compost. This process is helped by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and worms, which break down the organic matter.
Why Compost?
Composting offers numerous benefits for both the environment and your garden:
- REDUCES WASTE: Composting diverts food and garden waste from our bins and landfill, where it would otherwise produce methane, a very powerful greenhouse gas.
- ENRICHES SOIL: Compost adds essential nutrients, improves soil structure, and enhances moisture retention, leading to healthier plants and crops in our gardens.
- SAVES MONEY: By making your own compost, you reduce the need for store-bought fertilisers, saving you money in the long run.
Getting Started with Composting
Follow these simple steps to get started on your composting journey:
CHOOSE A COMPOST BIN
There are so many options when it comes to choosing a composting system. From hot bins to the traditional ‘dalek’ looking ones, to indoor systems such as bokashi and wormeries. It is important to pick your composting system based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Find out more about different composting methods here.
COLLECT COMPOSTABLE MATERIAL
Gather a mix of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, straw, and shredded paper). Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods*, as they can attract pests, such as rats, and slow down the composting process.
*DISCLAIMER: you may be able to compost these in hot composting and digestor systems. Seek manufacturer information for more details.
More about the compost recipe here.
LAYER IT UP
Aim for a 50/50 mix of green and brown materials. Alternate layers of greens and browns in your compost bin or pile, keeping it moist but not soggy.
KEEP IT AIRY
To facilitate decomposition, aerate your compost regularly by turning it with a pitchfork or compost aerator. This adds air to your compost to help microorganisms thrive in your bin.
MONITOR AND ADJUST
Keep an eye on your composter and if it smells bad or becomes too wet or dry, adjust the balance of greens and browns accordingly.
Read more about common composting concerns here.
WAIT AND HARVEST YOUR COMPOST!
Depending on the composting method and environmental conditions, your compost should be ready in 9 to 12 months. When it's dark, crumbly, and earthy smelling, it's ready to use in your garden.
TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Chop or shred large materials, such as tree trunks and branches, to speed up decomposition.
- Avoid adding diseased or pest-infested plants to your compost.
- Cover your compost pile to retain moisture and heat, especially in hot or dry climates.
- Keep it healthy over winter by reading our composting in cold weather guide here.
Composting is a simple, rewarding practice that anyone can adopt to reduce waste and improve soil health. By harnessing the power of nature's recycling system, you can turn food and garden waste into nutrient-rich plant food for your garden, enriching your plants and contributing to a more sustainable future!