Compost dos and don'ts

Composting is the alchemy of the garden, transforming kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich gold for your plants. Creating the best compost requires a balance of ingredients, the right conditions, and a bit of patience. 

Soil health is the foundation to any garden. It’s often unrealistic to buy top quality soil every season. A good supply of your own healthy and nutritious soil is essential to any thriving garden. 

• You are in control of what goes in your garden
• Reuse and recycle - a great way to control your waste
• Free soil! Composting shouldn’t cost anything. 
• The amount of composting space you need is relative to the size of your garden. A small garden wont take up lots of space. Large gardens will give you lots of composting material.

What makes successful compost?

Green Materials

These are nitrogen-rich materials that provide protein for the compost microbes. Include kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and green garden waste.

Brown Materials

Carbon-rich brown materials provide energy for the microbes. Add dry leaves, straw, cardboard, and shredded newspaper to balance the compost heap.

Aeration

Aerate your compost pile regularly by turning it with a pitchfork or compost aerator. This introduces oxygen, promoting the growth of aerobic bacteria and speeding up decomposition.

Moisture

Keep your compost moist but not waterlogged. Aim for a consistency like a wrung-out sponge. Water when needed, especially during dry spells.

Micro-organisms

Introduce beneficial microorganisms by adding a handful of healthy garden soil or finished compost to your mix. These microbes aid in the decomposition process.

What to Put In

Fruit and Vegetable Scraps

Kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, cores, and leftovers provide essential nutrients.

Coffee Grounds

Rich in nitrogen, coffee grounds add a burst of energy to your compost heap. Just avoid excessive amounts, as they can make the pile too acidic.

Eggshells

Crushed eggshells add calcium to the compost, which is beneficial for plant growth. Rinse them before adding to avoid attracting pests.

Green Garden Waste

Prunings, plant trimmings, and other green materials from the garden contribute nitrogen to the compost mix.

Dry Leaves

Brown materials like dry leaves, straw, and shredded newspaper balance the compost by providing carbon.

Cardboard and Paper

Shredded cardboard and newspaper offer carbon and help maintain the right moisture levels in the compost. be sure to remove any plastic tape.

Although, caution should be taken with cardboard. It has it's benefits but may also contain chemicals used in the production of boxes

Peter Nyssen packaging

We took a long time to find the right packaging for your bulbs. We use a potato starch based packet that will decompose with no residual plastic.

How Long Does It Take?

The composting process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors like the size of the heap, the ingredients used, and how often it's turned. Regularly aerated and well-balanced compost can be ready in as little as 2-3 months.

What to Avoid

Meat and Dairy Products

These can attract pests and create unpleasant odors. Avoid adding meat, bones, and dairy to your compost.

Pet Waste

Pet waste may contain harmful pathogens. It's best to avoid adding dog or cat feces to your compost. Although (if you have one) horse manure is still great for the garden.

Weeds with Seeds

Weeds can still sprout if not properly composted. Avoid weeds with seeds to prevent them from taking root in your garden.

Oily or Fatty Foods

Oily and fatty foods can slow down the composting process and attract unwanted pests.

Diseased Plants

Avoid adding plants that are diseased or infested with pests, as the compost may not reach temperatures high enough to kill the pathogens. Tulip fire will last upto 6 years!

Can you compost bulbs?

Yes. Non perennial bulbs will eventually rot down in the compost. However, many hardy bulbs will continue to grow. Avoid naturalising bulbs such as daffodils, bluebells and muscari.