How to make
compost
The simplest and tidiest way to make compost at home is by
using a home compost bin. The composting process is caused by the
combination of four key elements:
- Brown organic materials such as leaves
- Green organic materials such as grass
- Air
- Water
By mixing all four together, carbon is produced.
Adding air from the atmosphere, and moisture from the material
itself will start the composting process. Composting will happen
whatever, so don't be too concerned about getting the mix exactly
right.
Hints and tips
- Place your compost bin in the sun as this will increase the
temperature inside the unit, and will help speed up the composting
process
- Ensure a good circulation of air in the compost bin, by
layering twigs, cut flowers or remains of house plants at the
bottom of the unit
- Layers of fruit, vegetable and garden waste can then be added,
mixed if possible
- Try not to over fill the compost bin, make sure you can close
the lid
- If you have a problem with fruit flies leave the lid off for a
day or so. Covering fruit waste with a layer of compost or soil
will help to reduce the number of flies
- If your compost bin smells unpleasant then it does not have
enough air and needs to be aerated. Add dry material such as twigs,
dry leaves and scrunched up newspaper and cardboard
- Composting works best if you add lots of materials at once in
small pieces, so it may help if you chop down big pieces of
peelings or clippings. Adding air to the compost is also important.
To add air pockets add scrunched up cardboard or alternatively mix
the compost regularly.
As the material composts in the bin it will become
increasingly moist, and will begin to condense, this reduces the
amount of air inside the bin.
Ensure a good circulation of air by poking the compost with a stick
or garden fork to create air channels in the compost. This will
help the composting process and stop it from turning into a smelly
soup-like consistency.
For more advice on home composting follow the links
below.