How to make compost - A guide

With this month marking the great changeover from summer to winter in the garden, it is time to make the most of all the vegetation and to make compost.

All plants can be used to make compost with the exception of some diseased material and perennial weeds which may not be killed in the composting process.


What to compost
Most kitchen and garden waste can go on the compost heap. Ideally, break the tougher, woody material up before adding it to the compost heap. You can use secateurs for old herbaceous stems but a shredder is invaluable for shrub stems.

You should mix soft, green material with tougher, drier material. Paper, shredded cardboard, straw, dry leaves, shredded branches, dry dead stems and egg boxes should all be mixed with softer material. This includes veg peelings and annual weeds,

The more it is mixed, the better the results will be. In fact, turning the heap regularly will encourage the compost to break down, because it adds air to the heap so the beneficial bacteria thrive and the bad (anaerobic) ones, that cause the nasty smells, will die.

You can add perennial weed roots if you either dry them so they are withered or place them in a bucket of water so they rot. Then pour the (smelly) liquid on the heap.


Activators
Activators are added either to provide a source of bacteria or nitrogen (with water if a liquid) to feed the bacteria. Most forms of nitrogen are suitable but organic forms are best because they will encourage beneficial fungi and bacteria. Add them as you fill the heap. Adding some soil will also inoculate the heap with bacteria and fungi and add some worms.