If you’re keen to give your garden a bit of a boost and help out the environment too, now is the perfect time to start composting at home. By making your own compost you can ensure your garden has rich, fertile soil and also responsibly dispose of food scraps to create compost so good, it’s known as “black gold”.
The first thing to be aware of when it comes to composting is what can and can’t go in. According to experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk, things that can be composted include grass cuttings, weeds, leaves, uncooked food such as tea bags and vegetable scraps.You can also compost shredded paper, cat litter, meat and some compostable plastics.
However, when it comes to making good compost there are some no nos. Glossy paper or treated cardboard will not break down, and neither will produce stickers, chewing gum, or hygiene products.
It’s also not wise to try and compost invasive plants as you run the risk of them growing further.
Make sure your compost bin is in the right location in your garden – you want somewhere with sun.
The experts said: “The best place for a compost bin, bag, or pile is on soil or grass, to allow drainage and to let the worms get in. Also, you should put the composter in a nice warm place in the garden, ideally where it gets plenty of sunlight, to maintain the best temperature for the process.”
You’ll want a mixture of materials – don’t just put grass clippings in and call it a day.
Also, ensure you are regularly turning the compost with a garden spade or fork to aid the decomposition. By turning the compost regularly to help add air you should make compost in three to six months. In winter it will take longer because cold weather slows the process down.
