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An introduction to home composting
- 1. An introduction toHome Composting. Presentation by Judy Burrage, Master Composter.
- 2. Contents What compostingis Why composting is a good thing Types of composting (hot and cold) What you can and can’t compost What you need to think about before you get started Where to site your bin What to do with your compost Common problems Where to buy a compost bin or get information about making your own Where to get help or more information about home composting
- 3. What is compostand composting? Compost is the biological reduction of organic waste to humus that forms a beneficial growing environment for plant roots. Composting is an aerobic, biological decomposition process where a variety of organisms convert raw organic material into compost Home Compost is a soil conditioner used to improve soil structure (Source: Centre for Alternative Technology)
- 4. Why composting isa good thing It is good for the environment in several ways: • Reduces organic waste that goes to landfill sites • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions • Improves / maintains soil health • Conserves water in the soil • Encourages wildlife • Provides an alternative to peat compost • Reduces garden bonfires It helps you save money It keeps you active
- 5. Types of composting Cold •For garden waste and uncooked peelings from the kitchen • Paper and cardboard • Some items may need pre-treatment • Takes around 18 months to make compost • Inexpensive to get started Hot • Can compost everything a cold composter can and cooked food, meat and dairy • No pre-treatment needed • Can compost in as little as 30 days • More costly to get started
- 6. Aim for a50:50 mix of greens and browns (by weight).
- 7. Before you getstarted • What are you going to be composting, and how much material will you have to compost? • Where are you going to site your bin? • What’s your budget?
- 8. Siting your compostbin • Make sure your compost bin is somewhere accessible where you are likely to use it. You can still screen it with plants / bamboo to make it more attractive if need be. • Aim for partial sun for cold compost bins, and partial shade for hot compost bins. • Any compost bins should be sited on level ground. Cold composting bins are best sited on bare soil or grass, while hot composting bins are best sited on concrete or paving. Though this is not critical for them to be effective!
- 9. What to dowith your compost? • Dig it into flower and vegetable beds • Put it in pots, containers and window boxes • Mulch round trees and shrubs, and under hedges • Feed your lawn with it • Blend it with commercial compost to revitalise indoor plants • Use to make your own potting compost for sowing seeds
- 10. Common problems Too manygreens Too many browns Getting the balance of greens and browns wrong stops the composting process:
- 11. Where to buya compost bin & where to get information about building your own. Leicestershire residents can access compost bins at www.getcomposting.com at a subsidised price Garden organic have a really helpful guide to building a compost bin at www.gardenorganic.org.uk/homemade-compost-bins www.Carryoncomposting.com has a wealth of information on a number of different compost bins from different manufacturers and different composting methods.
- 12. Where to gethelp or more information about home composting The following are all useful websites : www.gardenorganic.org.uk www.Carryoncomposting.com www.lesswaste.org.uk If you live in Leicestershire, you can ask for the help of a Leicestershire Master Composter by contacting Leicestershire County Council at wasteprevention@leics.gov.uk, or by phone on 0116 3057 005
- 13. Thank you for watching, and HappyComposting!