Composting Tips for a Thriving Garden

Turn Waste into Gold for Your Plants

Composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also enriches your soil, improves plant health, and encourages beneficial organisms. Whether you're new to composting or looking to improve your method, these tips will help you create nutrient-rich compost for a thriving garden.

Step 1: Choose the Right Composting Method

Different composting techniques work for different spaces and needs. ✔️ Traditional Compost Bin – Ideal for larger gardens, a simple heap or enclosed bin can handle garden clippings and food waste. ✔️ Tumbler Composters – Great for faster composting and easy turning. ✔️ Worm Bins (Vermicomposting) – Perfect for small spaces, worm bins break down food scraps efficiently. ✔️ Bokashi Composting – A fermented composting method that works well indoors and processes all types of food waste.

Step 2: Balance Your Ingredients

A good compost pile needs a balance of green and brown materials. ✔️ Green Materials (Nitrogen-rich) – Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings. ✔️ Brown Materials (Carbon-rich) – Dry leaves, straw, shredded paper, cardboard. ✔️ Avoid – Meat, dairy, oily foods, or anything that could attract pests.

Step 3: Maintain the Right Conditions

✔️ Turn the Pile Regularly – Mixing compost helps oxygenate it and speeds up decomposition. ✔️ Keep It Moist but Not Soggy – A compost pile should feel like a damp sponge. ✔️ Layer Materials – Alternate green and brown layers to encourage even breakdown. ✔️ Place in a Warm, Sheltered Spot – Heat speeds up decomposition.

Step 4: Speed Up the Process

If you want compost faster, try these tips: ✔️ Chop Up Large Items – Smaller pieces break down quicker. ✔️ Add Compost Accelerator – Garden centres sell activators, or you can use nitrogen-rich materials like manure or grass clippings. ✔️ Monitor Temperature – A well-working compost pile should feel warm to the touch, ideally between 50-65°C (122-149°F).

Step 5: Know When It's Ready

Your compost is ready when: ✔️ It has a rich, dark brown colour. ✔️ It has a crumbly texture and an earthy smell. ✔️ Original materials are no longer recognisable.

How to Use Compost in Your Garden

✔️ Mulch Flower Beds – Spread compost around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. ✔️ Improve Soil Health – Mix compost into garden beds before planting. ✔️ Boost Vegetable Patches – Use compost to enrich soil for healthier crops. ✔️ Topdress Lawns – Sprinkle compost lightly over your lawn to improve root health.

Troubleshooting Common Composting Problems

✔️ Bad Smell? – Too much moisture or too many greens. Add dry brown materials and turn the pile. ✔️ Too Slow? – Lack of air or imbalance in ingredients. Add fresh greens and turn the compost more often. ✔️ Pests? – Avoid meat, dairy, and food scraps that attract rodents. Keep the compost covered.

By following these composting tips, you'll create rich, organic matter that fuels plant growth and keeps your garden thriving year-round.

📢 Give your plants the best – start composting today!