How many times have you asked the gardener to do something in the garden and he will ask for manure and/or pesticides.It’s important to take the manure out of the equation with the gardener. Also what you make at home is Pure Gold, and incomparable to any other kind of manure. Compost is such a valuable addition to your potted plants and garden. Not only is it bursting with nutrients to help with lawn & plant growth, but it also aids depleted soil, giving it a brand-new lease of life. Managing a compost heap or bin is easy, excellent for the environment and helps to reduce unnecessary landfill waste. Spring and autumn is a great time to start and keep on top of your compost heap as you'll be busy in the garden, all of the leftover garden material can be used in your heap or bin. It's a win-win for everyone! We've put together some information to help you start your own compost heap or bin.

Choosing a composter

There are several composting options depending on the space you have available.

• Small spaces: Worm farms or compost bins (vermicomposting) are ideal. They take up little space and are perfect for food waste and small amounts of garden waste.

• Medium-sized homes with gardens: You can make a DIY compost bin using a large container such as a 100-liter recycled plastic drum. Drill holes in the base and sides to allow aeration, drainage, and access for beneficial organisms.

• Large homes or farms: Dig a pit in the ground (about 5 ft × 5 ft × 5 ft). Line the sides with bricks while leaving the bottom natural. Fill the pit with kitchen waste and dry leaves.

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How to start composting

Start with plain soil or cocopeat as the base. You can dig into the ground to bring worms into your compost or add purchased compost worms.

• Layer your food scraps and garden waste into the compost bin.

• Maintain a balance between green (wet) and brown (dry) materials.

• Start with a base layer of dry materials like cocopeat, dry leaves, hay, or dry grass.

Tips:

• Manure can help activate compost because it contains nitrogen. If unavailable, use grass or leaves.

• Keep your compost covered with materials like tarp, plastic, or wood to protect it.

• Maintain moisture—moist but not soggy.

• Turn the compost once a month (or more frequently to speed decomposition).

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What to add to a compost bin or heap

What should I add?

Composting requires a balance between green materials (nitrogen) and brown materials (carbon). Ideally, compost should contain 25–50% green materials.

Green materials:

• Vegetable scraps

• Potato peels

• Lettuce

• Avocado and banana skins

• Natural tea bags

• Coffee grounds

• Egg shells

• Stale bread

• Spoiled pasta sauces

• Popcorn kernels

• Grass cuttings

• Leaves

• Stale beer or wine

• Used paper napkins or paper towels

Brown materials:

• Wood shavings and sawdust

• Black-and-white newspaper

• Unwaxed cardboard

• Egg cartons

• Toilet roll tubes

• Pencil shavings

• Dry pet biscuits

• Shredded 100% cotton clothing

• Cotton balls

• Used matches

• Hair

What shouldn’t I add?

Meat, fish, dairy, and oils:
These attract pests and produce unpleasant smells.

Dog or cat waste:
Carnivorous animal waste may contain harmful parasites and should not be added to compost.

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Taking care of your compost bin or heap

Turning compost

Turn your compost once a month to aerate the pile. Turning every two weeks can speed up decomposition.
If you are using worm bins, turning is unnecessary because worms do the work.

Use a pitchfork or spade to mix and aerate the compost pile.

You can also speed up decomposition by adding compost accelerators such as Bio-Waste Decomposer.

Ideal conditions

Composting organisms work best in shaded areas with balanced heat and moisture.
Place your compost in a well-drained area so it does not become overly wet.

Is the compost ready?

Compost is ready when it looks and smells like soil.

If it’s not ready:

• Turn it more frequently

• Use compost activators

Unpleasant smells

Check that there are no meat or fish scraps in the pile.
Add a layer of grass or mulch when adding new waste to absorb odors and ensure the compost isn’t too wet.

Insects and pests

Keep the compost covered to prevent flies and pests. This also helps protect it from excess rain and moisture.