Tips on how to get good quality compost
Here are some tips to keep your compost healthy and ensure you produce rich compost for your garden.
Find the right place: Place your composter on bare soil in the garden whenever possible, so worms and microorganisms can get in easily.
If you need to put it on concrete, tarmac or patio slabs, add a layer of soil or existing compost at the bottom to allow worms to spread.
Balance green and brown waste: each time a layer of greens (like food waste or grass cuttings), add an equal layer of browns too (such as cardboard or dry leaves).
Keep it moist: Your compost should be damp, not wet or dry. If it's dry, add water; if it's soggy, add some more brown material.
Add air to prevent smells: Turn your compost occasionally with a garden fork.
Be patient: Compost usually takes six to nine months to be ready.
Ready for use: once your compost turns into a dark material which looks like thick, moist soil and gives off an earthy fresh aroma, you'll know it's ready to use. Don't worry if it looks a bit lumpy with twigs or bits of eggshell, this is perfectly normal.
Use it to on garden borders or vegetable patches, in patio containers or to feed the lawn.
