WHY COMPOST?

Household organic waste is a special case as the householder has the capability to complete the recycling loop themselves - turning what would have been waste destined to landfill, into free, quality compost that returns essential nutrients back into the garden.

There is no need for special knowledge and it isn't labour intensive. With a minimal amount of attention, a wide range of waste can be easily made into compost, which can go back into the garden to improve plant growth.

• Save money!
  Good compost can make excellent soil conditioner; saving time, money and effort of buying bulky conditioner.
• Improve your environment
  The more you compost the less you send to landfill, its as simple as that!
• Improve your garden
  Using compost recycles nutrients back into the soil, enhancing your soil quality and garden . It is also an excellent organic way of improving your soil without using artificial products
• Enjoy it!
  It is not unusual for people to actually enjoy composting!; gardening and composting is can also be a good form of exercise.

SPECIAL OFFERS…

Through the Somerset Waste Partnership, Somerset residents can now purhase vastly reduced priced compost bins, to make it cheaper and easier for householders to start composting.

For more information on the offer click here

COMPOSTING TIPS

• Dry compost
  Add some water and turn with a garden fork.
• Too wet
  Mix in woody materials and straw.
• Strange looking compost?
  Don't worry if your compost is fine and crumbly, lumpy or stringy - all types can be used.
• How often do I have to turn the compost?
  The more frequent the the compost is turned, the quicker the composting process.
• Bad smell?
  When vegetation decomposes it is only natural for it to smell slightly; however, if this becomes too unpleasant, turn the material around to add air. Adding materials such as leaves, straw, dry grass or wood matter can also reduce the smell.
• When is the compost ready?
  When the compost is ready, it will smell sweet and look like a rich dark soil. This will take between two and six months.

It is important to get the carbon to nitrogen ratio right (C : N). Carbon is in tougher, drier materials , like straw, hay, plant stems and is highest of all in sawdust and wood chips. Nitrogen is found in soft, green, sappy growth, like grass cuttings.

Mix the different materials up as much as you can. The easiest way to do that is to make layers, don't make thick layers of any one material, especially not fresh grass cuttings as they quickly reduce to a slimy mess.Small amounts of soil help to introduce beneficial bacteria, a thin dusting (not more) throughout is a good idea.

Very tough materials, like branches, will eventually break down, given time, in a compost pile, so they either need a special long term heap, or they need to have their surface area greatly increased by crushing, chipping or shredding.

WHAT TO DO WITH COMPOST

Compost can be used for all soils; it makes light soil retain water, and heavy soils easier to work with. It can also give substance to sandy soils.

It can be spread on the surface and used as 'mulch'; this then releases the nutrients back into the soil, it will retain water and also helps prevent weeds from growing.

The compost can be bagged up and stored for later use.

Good quality compost can be sieved and used as potting compost for window boxes and hanging baskets. However; if the compost has been produced mainly from green waste (grass, hedge cuttings) it is best to mix it with other forms of compost

Grow bags can be made with well-rotted compost by filling up bags and taping the ends; cutting holes approximately 45cm (18inches) apart and watering well (but do not saturate).
Compost material feeds soil with nutrients and can reduce or remove the need for artificial fertilisers.

The Composting Association
Organisation promoting good practice in composting and the use of composted materials.

Henry Doubleday Research Association
Organisation dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food

Master Composter
Provides information on how to compost, the benefits of composting, what to compost, and many other topics related to home composting

Royal Horticultural Society
Lots of useful gardening information

Soil Association
For useful information on gardening

Pledge to recycle!
Join over 2,300 people in Somerset who have pledged to recycle