Composting is a natural process of decay and can take from 3 to 12 months depending on the mix of materials, turning and time of year (composting is slower in winter).
Initially bacteria and fungi break down the sappy green material heating up the mixture and using lots of oxygen. This normally takes 5-10 days.
The mixture then cools, and larger invertebrates such as beetles, worms and woodlice break down the fibrous brown material. These helpful creatures need air too, so it is a good idea to turn or aerate your compost regularly.
How will composting Benefit the Environment ? | |||
Composting has a large number of environmental benefits. It is the perfect way to help life across the whole planet.
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How will composting Benefit me ? | |||
You will have a free supply of compost to be used in your gardenand provide the following benefits:
Using compost
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What can you put on your compost bin? | |||
Basically anything organic can be composted although some items are best avoided. The following is a list of some of the most common things that can be added to your compost heap from your kitchen and garden: You may need to shred or
cut certain materials into small pieces.
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What should you avoid putting on your Compost bin ? | |||
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How to Compost ? |
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SITING Your compost bin should be sited in a part of your garden that is discreet but close to the kitchen for convenience and to encourage use, on bare soil for drainage and preferably in a sunny position for faster composting. THE COMPOST BIN A compost area takes many forms as follows:
THE COMPOST BUCKET As your compost bin will be situated in the garden you may find it easier to use a compost bucket under the kitchen sink. This is just a bucket (plastic is probably best) into which you throw all your kitchen waste throughout the day. Once a day empty the contents into your compost bin and rinse the bucket out (you should use your old dishwater to save water, the dishwater can also be added to your compost as this helps keep it moist which aids composting). You then only need to make one trip to the compost bin per day. FILLING Add materials in thick layers (Preferably 6 inches or more at a time) if possible to ensure the mixture heats up and composts quickly and properly. TURNING It is a good idea to turn your compost heap at least once each month. This aerates the contents and ensures good mixing. Any material which is already fully composted can be removed and used. Also frequent turning will give better compost. EMPTYING To empty the bin, remove the lid and lift the bin from the stack of compost. Fork any non composted material back into the bin and use the finished compost. Your compost is ready when it has become dark brown in colour and the original ingredients are no longer recognisable. Do not worry about lumpy or fibrous compost, it is still good for your soil. |
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Composting Problems |
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Unpleasant Smells Decomposing vegetation does create a certain smell but not much and it shouldn't trouble you. If, however the smell becomes too unpleasant this is probably because the compost has become too compacted. To solve this turn or poke the material with a fork or stick to add air which will reduce the odours. Compost too Dry If your compost is too dry turn the material with a fork or stick adding used dishwater at the same time. This should not happen if you are adding plenty of green material. Compost Wet and Slimy This is probably because too much water has been added or too much green waste. Mix in some dry woody materials, straw or even newspapers(no coloured inks, preferably shredded or ripped up and not in large quantaties. |
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What if you can't compost at home? |
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If you can't compost at home either because you do not have a garden or you have too much material to compost there are alternatives, particularly in Essex.
It will
be turned into soil improver which you can also buy at your Recycling Centre.
The Centre accepts:
Essex County Council also provide 2 free leaflets, "Home composting in Essex" and "So what about composting" which can be downloaded from there internet site. Click
here to download a copy in Adobe PDF format |
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More Information |
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