9 April 2025
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Composting principles remain the same whether you’re composting on a large or small scale, says Chris Collins
It ’s gentle to think that composting has to be done on a big - scale , and when I exercise at Kew , the compost heaps were 3 m gamy by 5 m wide ! But I say scale is irrelevant , because wherever we grow plant , composting and soil health is primal .
On my balcony I expend a pocket-sized compost bin , not too dissimilar to a dalek bin , but only 20 litres in capability . Even at this size , the same composting rule apply . verify you mingle 50:50 brown materials and green material . I use finely hack up kitchen waste merge with tear up newspaper publisher ( junk post or old business office material ) and torn up nut or food grain boxes . In just 14 - 18 workweek , I can ferment around a full compost for top - dressing my pots and basket .
tot up worm into the mix
A wormery will raise awful compost in an even shorter time . The right-hand temperature is critical : a chain from 15 - 25C as anything above or below this makes the worms lethargic . A coolish web site , away from constant sunshine , will be good .
bestow your greens and brownness to the top layer of the wormery little by little so the worms have fourth dimension to digest . Keep the compost ingredients somewhat damp , and once they ’re well-chosen the worms will move down the small layer with ease .
If you have no room for composting , take your garden waste material to a local recycling centre where you could garner it as compost at a later escort . After all , a honorable nurseryman does n’t waste anything , and soil is king !
Composting food waste from a bin
Question and Answer
Q. I ’ve just buy a hotbin , any tips on getting the proficient out of it ?
A. A 100 - litre Hotbin is perfect for a little , urban garden and as a closed in unit , you may avoid problems with rats and it rapidly breaks down waste . Bulk up with tear up paper and add uncrushed ball boxes to append air into the mix and keep off mushy layer . Make certain anything with peel is fine chopped so bacteria can break it down quicker . Keep the lid close , to keep the rut in .
Compost worms
Q. My modest balcony bin is starting to smack , how can I stop this ?
A. The element need to be ferment on a regular basis to ensure they stay damp and do n’t become anaerobiotic ( without oxygen ) . This can lead to your bank identification number smell and overturn your neighbour ! Also secure your binful has drainage and a saucer so any liquid can be relinquish and reprocess .
Q. Can I tote up citrus and coffee yard to my small-scale compost bin ?
Making your own compost for free
A. These take to be added in much small quantities because they can tump over the equalizer . Citrus fruits with skin also take a foresighted time to biodegrade so if you want your compost quickly , and without lumps , I would void these .
