The Do's and Don'ts for Effective Composting

August 21, 2024

Composting is a method used widely by avid gardeners and allotment owners. Composting is the natural process of recycling organic materials, such as food scraps, dead leaves, grass cuttings, coffee grounds, cardboard, and even eggshells. Composting is a great way to reduce waste being sent to landfill, while also providing your garden/ allotment with extra nutrients, not to mention it’s free! Well-made compost can promote efficient plant growth, and healthy soil, aids in increasing biodiversity in your garden/allotment, and helps to reduce disease by building up the plant's resistance.

Using homemade compost will increase the organic content of your soil, fueling your soil with nutrients and boosting its fertility, leaving no reason to turn to chemical pesticide products. Using your homemade compost and mixing it with existing soil will help increase soil structure and boost water retention, so especially during the warmer months, your soil won't be drying out prematurely. Nutrient-rich soil also boosts biodiversity by providing a habitat for organisms such as worms, who feed on nutrient-filled waste, providing a food source for animals such as birds and hedgehogs.

“All you need for a successful compost heap is waste, air, and water.”

The Do’s

Before getting started ensure you have enough space in your allotment/ garden for either a large compost bin or a heap that can be covered with plastic. Compost bins are usually the preferred choice as they look tidier and are easier to manage throughout the year. Ensure your heap or bin is located in a shady spot to allow moisture to remain in the soil. The best time to begin composting is during the spring, when your garden will naturally produce larger quantities of suitable composting material.

When composting, it is best to add a large quantity of material at once, so saving up items such as kitchen scraps is beneficial when also adding other materials like dead plants and leaves.
Ensure you are using a variety of waste products, if you have large quantities of one material it may be worth disposing of a fair amount in your garden waste bin (the brown bin).
For healthy soil management, it’s advised that you regularly rotate your compost heap to promote regular airflow. Prevent compaction and monitor compost moisture.
Use a mixture of green and brown waste when composting, these can include grass cutting, weeds, vegetable peelings, etc. For brown waste materials can include, cardboard, dead leaves, coffee grounds, and various other fruit and vegetable waste. The RHS advise that your compost should be made of 25-50% green waste material and 50-75% of brown waste material.
A successful compost bin should be rainproof, retain warmth, and have small air pockets to aerate the enclosed space.
Chop up any long-stemmed plants before adding them to your compost heap, helping them to break down more efficiently.
Only begin using your homemade compost when it is dark brown, has a crumbly soil-like texture, and smells earthy and damp. This is when you know your compost has matured to perfection and is ready to be mixed into your soil.

The Don’ts

Lack of free-flowing air and a significant water presence can cause wet, slimy, and smelly compost. Try not to expose your compost to direct environmental elements such as rain.
Avoid adding large quantities of grass clippings to your compost at once, as this can contribute to your compost becoming too wet to use in your garden.
Your compost can also be at risk of drying out causing a lack of decomposition, this is due to a lack of moisture in the compost and too much brown waste material. Ensure your compost remains moist all year round by watering your compost if needed, mixing in some green waste material, or even adding a small fresh bucket of manure.
Don’t leave your compost bin or heap unattended for long periods, if compost bins are not regularly managed throughout the seasons they can attract flies. If flies do appear, make sure you cover your garden and kitchen waste to prevent contamination.
When thinking about what materials to include in your compost heap avoid; Anything treated with chemical fertilisers and pesticides, glossed or coated cardboard/paper, citrus fruit, and its peels, produce packaging, meat, and fish, pet waste (dog poo), oily foods, any metals, and plastics.
Don’t expect composting to be an overnight job, composting requires time for the materials to break down and decompose this could take up to 6 months, sometimes longer.

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Conclusion:

Composting is crucial to the health of any gardener's plot. Improves soil health, creates habitats for certain species, protects growing plants and crops from disease, and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides. The main practices to ensure ideal composting conditions are;

Compost heaps/bins should be placed in a shaded spot, under a weatherproof cover to manage sunlight exposure and moisture levels.
Mixing green and brown waste material.
Turning the compost several times a year, compost can become compact if not tended to, turning ensures all materials are being broken down and allows the opportunity to check moisture levels.
Chop up any long-stemmed plants or large peeled veg to aid in a speedy decomposition.
BE PATIENT! The composting process can take several months.
Compost can be used when it’s developed too dark brown, and has an earthy woodland smell and crumbly soil texture.

FAQs:

How do I start composting at home?

Choose a composting method: Decide between a compost pile, bin, or tumbler.
Find a location: Place your compost bin or pile in a shaded, well-drained area.
Layer materials: Alternate layers of "browns" (carbon-rich materials like leaves) and "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps).
Maintain the compost: Turn the pile regularly to aerate, keep it moist (but not soggy), and monitor the balance of browns and greens.

How long does it take to make compost?

The time required to produce compost varies, depending on factors like the size of the pile, the materials used, and how often it is turned. In ideal conditions, compost can be ready in as little as 2-3 months, but it typically takes 6 months to a year.

Can I compost in winter?

Yes, composting can continue in winter, although the process will slow down due to lower temperatures. Insulating the compost pile and adding fresh materials can help maintain activity. In very cold climates, consider using a compost bin or tumbler to retain heat.

Can I use compost for all types of plants?

Yes, compost is beneficial for a wide range of plants, including vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees. It improves soil structure, provides nutrients, and enhances water retention. However, some plants may prefer more acidic or alkaline soils, so adjust your compost mix accordingly if needed.