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Home Composting

Ever wondered how to compost at home but don't know where to start?

Did you know that your grass and hedge clippings along with your fruit and veg peelings, soft prunings, egg shells and autumn leaves can all go on to create peat-free compost - a nutrient-rich soil conditioner that helps gardens and plants grow, whilst saving resources and contributing to the circular economy?

Take a look at Veolia's top tips on home composting to get started

• First, choose a compost bin to suit your available space and place it in a sunny or semi-shaded area, directly on soil or turf, and away from water courses.

• Position the bin on a soft surface to allow for good drainage of excess water, and to help the worms to wriggle in and break down the content.

• Don't worry if you only have a hard surface for your compost bin, such as concrete, put some existing compost or twigs and leaves to get it started.

• Make sure you add the right ‘ingredients’.

• Keep a fine 50/50 balance between the ‘greens’, such as fruit and veg peelings, soft prunings, and the ‘browns’, which include twigs, autumn leaves, cardboard and egg boxes.

• Give your compost a turn with a pitchfork every few weeks to aerate it and mix up the contents. 

• This will also allow enough time for the contents to heat up, allowing the contents to break down faster turning it into compost for your garden.

• It can take between nine and twelve months for your compost to be ready, so sit back and relax with a cup of tea.

• There will be more ‘greens’ in the spring and summer months to use, and lots of ‘browns’ available during the autumn and winter months, so any time of the year is perfect to start composting.

• You will know when your compost is ready when it has a dark brown colour, an earthy, fresh smell, and a crumbly texture, and it is slightly moist.

• You can now enjoy your very own homemade compost! Spread the nutrient-rich soil conditioner in your garden, allotment and community space and enjoy watching your green space bloom with new flowers, plants or crops grow.

 

Here's a video demonstrating the above steps for a simple-to-follow guide to homemade compost

If you have excess green waste that won't fit in your compost bin, you can always take it to one of the household recycling centres. Don't forget to book a slot first.

Compost bins are available via this page.