How to make your own compost

How do I set up a compost heap?

You can make well-rotted compost in a simple covered heap. In small gardens or allotments, it might be easier to have a contained compost heap. You can buy a compost bin, or you can easily make one from old pallets or other reclaimed wood. To make a pallet compost bin, take three wooden pallets and stake and tie them together to form a bay. If you have the space, you could place 2 or 3 compost areas side by side. This means you can turn and transfer the materials from one to the other.

What ingredients do I need for a compost?

Almost anything organic can go on your compost heap. You need an even mixture of green and brown material to make a good compost.

• Green materials are nitrogen-rich. These include food waste, weeds, grass cuttings, coffee grounds, and leafy plant parts. To avoid attracting vermin, avoid any grains (bread, couscous and so on), meat and cooked food. For weeds, young annuals are fine to add as long as they have not gone to seed. Avoid perennial weeds, as they can survive and multiply when back in the soil.
• Brown materials provide carbon. These include woody stems, twigs, straw, paper, and cardboard. Cut up, shred or chip any woody material before composting.

Easy steps for making compost

It can take between 4 months and over a year to create good compost. Follow these steps to make your own:

1. mix green waste with brown material in equal parts - shredded material works best
2. let it sit, turning regularly
3. use when crumbly and black

How can I improve my compost?

• Regularly turn the compost. It makes sure that all parts of the heap are well-mixed and evenly composted. Plus, it doesn’t get too hot during the process, which can kill off the essential aerobic bacteria. When the compost turns into a black and crumbly texture, it is ready to use as a mulch or soil additive.
• Cover or insulate the compost with a tarp, cardboard or old carpet. This will heat up the compost and stop it from getting too wet, which will speed up the process.

Compost troubleshooting guide

Why does my compost heap stink?

Your compost may have gone anaerobic, which means more air is needed in the mix. Always mix green and brown material. Never compress the compost to make more space. Use aerators (long metal poles) to create air channels and turn the heap once every few months.

Why is my compost heap not doing anything?

Composting takes time and is naturally affected by the seasons. As it gets colder in winter, those busy microbes will slow down. You could insulate your composter with cardboard, leftover bubble wrap or old carpet. Just be sure to leave gaps for it to breathe. To help speed up the process, fill a large sealed container with warm water and place it in your compost.

Why is my compost full of worms?

Worms play a vital role in your compost and reproduce quickly when the temperature is right. They are perfectly adapted to eating rotting organic waste. They will aerate the compost with their tunnelling and enrich it with worm castings. Make sure your compost isn’t too wet or hot, or they may move to the edges or try to escape altogether.

Why are there mushrooms growing in my compost?

Mushrooms and fungi play a vital role in decomposing organic matter. Most fungi are hidden to the naked eye, but you may notice tiny white strands matting together. These are healthy fungal networks. When the conditions are right, the fungal network (mycelium) produces a mushroom fruit. But don't eat them. Leave them and let them do their job.