Welcome to the Master Composter feature, where I will tell you about the joys of composting. I am a Master Composter Volunteer, which means that I have been trained by a charity called Garden Organics, in association with Suffolk County
Making and using compost is the building block of successful gardening, especially if you are looking for low environmental impact, organic gardening. The dark, rich, crumbly and sweet smelling finished product is often referred to as “Gardener’s gold”. It is made by utilising nature to turn organic matter such as: recycled garden and kitchen waste; cardboard or straw and water, into an enriching agent for your garden soil. By adding it to your flower beds it breathes life into the soil by conditioning it with nutrients.
It is estimated that 40% of the average household bin is suitable for composting. There are several reasons to avoid this:
Firstly, this organic waste is compacted into landfill and a by-product of this is a greenhouse gas called Methane, 30 times stronger than Carbon Dioxide. Because composting uses air to help decompose organic matter it avoids the conditions that are responsible for the production of Methane.
Secondly, it costs local Councils more and more to send waste to landfill as we run out of space for this method of disposal. This cost is reflected in council tax.
Thirdly, by composting this resource, we are reducing the transportation of waste, getting free, good quality compost.
To start composting you will need:
A suitable, preferably sunny spot, easily accessible all year round.
Ideally bare soil on level ground
A bin. You can make your own from wood and wire mesh. Alternatively, you may know someone with a spare bin, or be able to get one second hand. The County council also offer a subsidised compost bin scheme available through http://www.suffolk.getcomposting.com/ or http://www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk/
or Tel: 0844 5714444
Finally, a steady supply of kitchen and garden waste.
A compost is a living thing and as such needs food (materials), water (Moisture) and Oxygen (air). The food can be divided into “Greens” (wet sappy material) and “Browns” (dry brown materials such as straw or cardboard) and it is important to get the mix of these ingredients right to avoid it being too wet or too dry.
The last thing to remember is that your compost heap is a Vegan. Do not feed it Meat, fish or dairy products and, following the method above, it should start producing Gardener’s gold within 12 to 18 months
Next time I will look at using wormeries, also known as "Vermicompost".
Welcome to the blog world. Great to see you on here. I've been composting since my grandmother sent me to the compost heap with my first pile of potato peelings. Never knew back then how important it was, but do now ;0)
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThought I would give it a go as a way of spreading the message. I'm keen to get people asking questions and giving feedback about their experiences.
Funny, my enthusiasm comes from my Grandad.