Composting converts kitchen and garden waste into a rich soil conditioner. It's free, reduces landfill waste, and produces something that genuinely improves plant health — far better than anything you can buy.
The Green/Brown Balance
Good compost needs both:
Greens (nitrogen-rich):
Browns (carbon-rich):
Aim for roughly 2 parts brown to 1 part green by volume. Too much green and the pile becomes slimy and smelly. Too much brown and it won't break down.
What NOT to Compost
Getting Your Heap Working
Moisture: the pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Water if dry; add browns if wet.
Air: turn the pile every 4–6 weeks to introduce oxygen. A turning fork works well.
Size: minimum 1 cubic metre to generate enough heat.
Using Your Compost
Compost is ready when it's dark, crumbly, and smells earthy — not like rotting food. Use as a mulch, mix into planting holes, or dig into beds.
