Why Make Compost?

Compost is a free and natural fertiliser you can create right at home. It offers multiple benefits:

• Improves Soil Fertility: Compost replenishes essential nutrients in the soil, enhancing its structure and health.
• Water Retention: Compost helps the soil hold more moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Soil Aeration: Compost improves the texture and structure of the soil, encouraging better air circulation, which is vital for healthy root systems.
• Stimulates Microbial Activity: Compost's organic matter provides food for soil microorganisms, promoting a balanced and healthy soil ecosystem.

Components of Compost

To make effective compost, three essential elements are needed:

1. Air: Composting microbes are aerobic and need oxygen to do their work. To ensure proper aeration, regularly turn the pile and avoid compacting materials, especially moist ones like grass.
2. Water: Keep your compost pile moist but not soaking wet. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge—too dry, and the process slows down; too wet, the pile will become compacted, reducing airflow.
3. Food: For optimal decomposition, a balanced mix of carbon-rich "browns" and nitrogen-rich "greens" is required. The ideal ratio is two parts brown to one part green.

What to Compost

Composting works best when you use the right ingredients, both from your garden and kitchen:

• Unsprayed Grass Clippings: These break down quickly and are nitrogen rich. If you have excess clippings, spread them out in the sun for a day or two before adding them to the compost to prevent them from becoming soggy and smelly.
• Kitchen Scraps: Almost all kitchen waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells, can be composted. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or high-fat foods, as they decompose slowly and can attract pests.
• Garden Green Matter: Include plant clippings, deadheading flowers, and spent seedlings. Be cautious with weeds, especially those with persistent roots or seeds. It's best to avoid composting these to prevent them from sprouting later.
• Manure: Animal manure from herbivores like cows, goats, and sheep is an excellent source of nitrogen and beneficial microbes. Fresh manure is considered "hot" and can burn plants, so allow it to age for a few months before adding it to your compost.

Tips for Successful Composting

• Turn the Pile Regularly: Aeration is crucial for the decomposition process. Turn the pile every few weeks to ensure airflow and help speed up the breakdown.
• Shred Larger Items: Chop or shred large items like branches or kitchen waste to speed up decomposition.
• Monitor Moisture Levels: Keep the compost moist but not soggy. If it's too dry, add water; if it's too wet, mix in more dry materials like straw or leaves.
• Temperature: A well-maintained compost pile should reach an internal temperature of 130°F to 160°F (54°C to 71°C), which kills off most weed seeds and pathogens.

Composting is a rewarding, environmentally friendly process that gives back to your garden while reducing waste. With the right ingredients and patience, you'll have a continuous supply of high-quality compost to nurture your plants and improve your soil.