Let nature help your garden (Composting in general)

Member Name: competition.man

Product:	Composting in general
Date:	09/09/05 (426 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: enviromenally friendly

Disadvantages: slight smell / the flies

Our world is dying - too much polution , too much production , too much waste . The effects of the industrial revolution of the late 1800's whilst being over 100 years ago , are now showing the signs of catostrophy . Just think of what has happened since then and imagine the impact for our offspring of the future .

Today people are starting to take notice and the buzz words of today are recycling , sustainable and re-usable.

Councils are under enormous pressure to encourage recycling and everyone should participate . I do my bit do you ? Living in PLymouth , our council recycles paper , cardboard , plastic and now garden waste . They will even collect household items such as fridges , cookers etc. free of charge and dispose of them in an enviromentally friendly way . Glass is however only recycled via the many scattered bottlebanks .

Having both front and back gardens , I have also undertaken composting , so here is a review on composting - hope you enjoy the read .

<> What is composting ? <>

Composting is natures way of recycling . At its very basic , organic products are dropped onto the ground . Animals eat such products , what remains is broken down naturally and absorbed into the ground , from which its nutrients then pass through to plants and back to us .
Home composting harnesses natures abilities to turn most kitchen and garden waste into compost , which inturn is used in the garden , often saving many tens of pounds per year .
Traditionally composters have been made using wooden planks to form a four sided fence . Gaps between the planks allow for both drainage and air supply . The top is covered to maintain heat , a tradition with old gardeners is to use old carpet remants as a topper .
Modern composters are made from wood , metal or more commonly re-cycled plastic . My own is made of plastic .

<> What can you compost ? <>

Personal & Household Items - as a general rule if it rots use it , for example hair ( pet and human ) , vacumn cleaner dust .

Vegetable and fruit peelings - also include discarded fruit .

Tea leaves and coffee grounds and crushed egg shells .

Weeds - the composting process will kill most weeds , avoid however brambles and bindweed .

Grass cuttings .

Paper and cardboard - limit these and scrumple or shred before placing on site.

Animal manure from vegetarian pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs - also use the bedding when cleaning out their cages.

Evergreen clippings - these however should be used in moderation as they take a long time to rot down .

Leaves / prunings etc. / hanging basket contents etc.

<> What you can't / shouldn't compost <>

Excrement - animal or human .

Disposable nappies

Waxed or coated paper / card .

Stone , metal , glass or platic - they don't rot !

Meat - raw or cooked .


Cleaning fluids / garden chemicals *

( * such as weed killer / bleach etc . - there are however natural garden products available to aid a composter start ) .

<> Starting / using <>

Site your composter in a suitable location , preferably so that it receives some sunlight . Ideally it should be placed on the ground , although it can be placed on an aerated base . If using on concrete , add worms to the composter .
Start with a 3"-6" layer of kitchen waste then simply add different types of materials in layers - it is important to a have a good mixture of materials to maximise success . Occasionally turn the contents with a garden fork to aid aeration / composting process .
Initially you pile of waste will be high , however nature with its micro organisms and worms will soon work their magic and the pile will reduce in height .
Keep your contents warm and moist - never allow them to dry out .
Be patient as the process will take between 6-9 months , start now for use next summer .
It is satisfying t see how your scraps just disappear , and as they start rotting down, you get a healthy composty smell , which is not too unpleasant. The only drawback I've found so far, is during the summer months , when you lift the lid off your composter to add much waste , you are greeted by munerous small flies . These however do not bite , and the flies themselves aid with the rotting process .

<> Where to by a composter <>

Most garden centres or large DIY chains should stock a range of composter bins . Also ( as I did ) , check with your local council or water company , as these often have promotions on , which subsidise ther cost of the bins .

Summary: Composting helps your garden and is enviromentally friendly .