Compost garden - getting started with compost systems

So you've built or bought your compost bin so now its time to get started with your backyard compost garden.

Here are simple steps to getting started building your compost pile and how to speed up the whole composting process.

1 - Building your base

Whatever you do, ensure that your first layer is made up of natural resources, this is paramount. The reason being is that you want worms and insects to have easy access to the heap. If you start off on a layer of plastic or big thick planks of wood how are the worms going to get in? The base of your pile also needs air to breathe or you will just develop a big stinky pile of sludge. And remember, good compost should not stink.

2 - How to look after your backyard composting

Treat your compost heap as you would yourself. Give it air to breathe, liquid, food, a boosting tonic and the occasional treat. Don't forget variety too - we all get bored with too much of the same thing right?

3 - What to throw on

As I mentioned in another post, if it's been alive then its good for composting - apart from cooked bones that is, and of course meat will attract vermin, so put that in the trash if that could be an issue for you.

I throw on all my kitchen and garden waste but I do layer it and occasionally sprinkle a little blood and bone into the mix. I tear waste paper and cardboard but always spread it around in a thin layer so as not to end up with big clumps. Weeds are fine too - after all they're organic are they not? Don't worry, this doesn't mean that you will have lots of weeds growing in your compost, if you have built your compost heap correctly, the heat generated within the pile will destroy those pesky weeds!

As I cut our hair I also throw that on too - why not eh? Hair and nail clippings are organic matter and good for your compost garden.

4 - Treats for speeding up the composting process

If you're close to a beach, next time you are there collect yourself plenty of seaweed. Take it home, rinse it and then throw it on your compost pile and mix it in a little. I cut my seaweed, which is a pretty laborious job, but boy does it speed things up. Another great promoter is manure. But whatever you do, don't buy it. Look online or in your local directly for riding schools or pony clubs in your area then just ask if you can come and collect some of their horse manure - most will say yes.

5 - Watering your compost heap

It's important to keep the pile moist for it to process properly, so you will probably need to water it during summer months and long dry spells. I try to conserve as much water as possible, so throw on rinse water from dishes or hand washing in summertime.

Follow these simple compost rules and you will be rewarded with some lovely organic garden compost whichever composting systems you use.