Compost Tips for Autumn

29th September, 2008

At this time of year there is more garden waste than at any other, as leaves begin to fall and flowers begin to die. Here are just some quick tips to take advantage of this useful waste to ensure you turn it into rich nutritous compost that can be used in your garden and vegetable patch next year.

What can be put in a compost bin?
Tea Bags, Lawn cuttings, fruit and veg peelings, dead flowers, filtered coffee and filter papers, finished bedding plants, leaves from Rhubard,

Leaves, sawdust, egg boxes, twigs and fibrous paper can all be composted but will take longer to decompose than the items above.

What should you avoid putting in your compost bin?
Meat, dairy products, perrenial weeds and seedheads, animal poop, cooked veg, nappies or diseased plants.

I'm drowning in leaves, what can I do?
Some gardens are just awash with leaves at this time of year and to many to place in the compost bin. One way of making use of the leaves is to create a pen using chicken wire and fill it up. Over the winter this will slowly reduce in volume and you will have a rich leaf mould to use next year. To avoid the leaves blowing out the pen cover with a plastic sheet or more chicken wire and attach to the side.

Where should I put my compost bin?
Heat is needed for the decomposition process, so try and place the bin in an area of the garden that will get autumn and winter sun, also if possible you can lag the bin with insulation such as old blankets, carpets etc to help protect the bin from harsh temperatures.

Is there anything else that can be done to ensure compost success?
Leave in some compost if you have any from previous composting, this will contain microbes that can start to work on the frsh material. Chopping things up or shredding before placing in the composter will shorten the time needed for the compost to be created. A good mix of fast decomposing items and those that take a bit longer creates a good compost rich in texture and nutrients.

Your compost bin needs moisture, if it starts to dry up the decomposing will slow dramatically, too wet and it will start to smell. You should aim for the bin to have the moisture of a damp towel, wettish to the touch but not swimming in water. Ensure your composter has a lid or is covered to prevent to much ran getting in during heavy downpours.