Start your own compost pile and reap the benefits…

WHEN it comes to vigorous plant and vegetable growth the importance of applying a nutrient rice compost can’t be overstated. This is gold for the gardener as it adds an important carbon and nitrogen based boost to plants.

The good news is that you can make your own mix which is well worth the effort. Compost is not only an essential nutrient enhancer for soil but also doubles up as an important mulch which ensures soil retains moisture for longer after you’ve watered, particularly during dry spells.

Buying compost and fertiliser from the garden centre is a convenient way of kick-starting the soil in spring. But so much of what we produce in the garden and home can be transformed into high quality compost with just a little effort. The secret is to set up two compost bins: one for Green Compost, and one for Waste Compost from the kitchen.

The ‘Green Compost’ bin stores grass cuttings, leaves, plant debris and tree twigs. All you need do is make a three-sided bin using timber pallets which allows the compost to breathe. Then, layer the waste as you go along (i.e. layer of grass, layer of leaves, layer of plant debris, etc.) as this helps accelerate breakdown.

Also note, the finer the material the quicker it will decompose so make sure large bulky plants and stems are broken into smaller pieces. Place a cover over the mound (like a piece of old carpet) and let it decompose naturally. Word of caution - after you’ve fertilised a lawn or used weed killer be sure not to add the first three or four cuts to the compost heap. Also, be cautious of dumping too many weeds on the heap as the heat will only encourage their growth and the last thing you need is more weeds in your flower and vegetable beds.

The ‘Waste Compost’ requires a separate bin which can be bought cheaply from a garden centre. This bin is for waste such as vegetable cuttings, egg shells, coffee granules, tea bags (but not citrus waste like lemon and orange skins). Again, the same layering process applies and here the trick is to use shredded newspaper or torn pieces of egg carton.

Rotate the compost bin every so often to speed up the process, remembering to keep the waste as finite as possible. Garden Centres also sell a special granulated mix to help speed up the waste breakdown. Come next spring you’ll be able to apply the kind of compost that money can’t buy.