Compost Angst!


Home-made compost is a thing of wonder...when all goes well! But too often it goes horribly wrong and instead of rich, sweet, crumbly stuff we end up with a putrefying heap.


For a long time I believed making great compost was beyond me. There are so many methods and myths, it all seemed too complicated. Well good news...it isn’t!


Compost containers You can make your own. It’s very easy apparently, using old floorboards, posts and wire netting.


Unfortunately I am to DIY what elephants are to


hang gliding so I opt for ready made bins. Check with your council as many offer cheap bins to encourage recycling. If not, garden centres stock a good variety.


Size matters! A container should be 3 ft / 1m square minimum, preferably larger. This allows heat to build up inside the heap which aids the decay process.


Position it out of the main line of sight, behind a shed or some tall plants.


Compost materials Fruit and veg scraps Coffee grounds and tea bags Old flowers and bedding plants Garden clippings Annual weeds Crushed egg shells Small animal bedding (e.g. rabbit)


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Shredded cardboard, including tubes Egg cartons Lawn mowings


You can’t use: Food waste (bread, meat etc.) Cat and dog faeces Evergreen leaves Thick rooted perennial weeds


How to make compost I’ve tried several methods, including my late grandfather’s which involved careful


layers of


various ingredients and sprinkling on lime at intervals. It worked, but I’m a lazy gardener really and can’t be bothered with all the faff.


This my method, worked out through a combination of trial error (lots of error!) • Mix all material together so there is no concentration of any one sort Firm it all down


•


• Moisten it • Cover it with some old carpet to keep heat in and prevent evaporation


If you start the process now, by Autumn you’ll be digging in your very own wonderful compost, dragged from the bottom of your heap. You’ll have done your bit for recycling and best of all...it’s free!


To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fiona@thewireweb.co.uk


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