How to do it

Making your own compost is easier than you might think. Once your bin is in place, just follow Alan’s foolproof steps

1 Mix the contents evenly as you add them, with no big concentration of any one material in any one place – lawn mowings, for example, turn slimy or white and fungus-ridden if not mixed with larger-leaved waste. Aim for a 50:50 blend of carbon (generally drier, brown material) and nitrogen (green waste). Chop up or shred woody stems, so they decompose faster. You can buy or hire a shredder and if you’re a confirmed composter you’ll find it wonderfully rewarding.

2 Keep the contents moist – in spells of hot dry weather, give your bin a good watering. In order to continue rotting down, moisture is essential. If the contents dry out, the composting process will slow down or stop altogether.

3 Firm it down from time to time – either tamp down the bin’s contents with the back of a fork or rake or climb in and tread it down. Air pockets allow it to dry out in patches and rotting will be uneven.

4 Cover the top with a square of old carpet or sacking to keep the moisture in and help to retain the heat.