Everyone can make their own compost. It's time to embrace sustainability and make composting a part of your routine! With autumn upon us and leaves scattered everywhere, there's no better moment to start creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Composting is not only easy but also a crucial practice for recycling within your gardening ecosystem. It serves as the foundation for healthy soil, fostering optimal growth for your plants while acting as a natural soil conditioner. By enriching your soil with compost, you not only recycle organic waste but also enhance its structure, water retention, and nutrient content, ultimately leading to thriving gardens.

Getting started is a breeze:

Step 1: You don't necessarily need a designated bin for composting, although it can help in keeping things tidy. A simple alternative is constructing a 1-meter square wire cage using materials like chicken wire. This setup allows for efficient turning of compost from one section to another, while also providing storage for finished compost. Remember, keeping your compost above ground is key to ensuring proper airflow and faster decomposition, avoiding unpleasant odours.

Step 2: Compost comprises two main components: green garden waste (such as grass clippings) and brown garden waste (like dry leaves). Green materials are rich in nitrogen, while brown materials are high in carbon. It's essential to maintain a balance, aiming for a ratio of one part green to two parts brown materials. Avoid adding animal waste, meat, oils, dairy, diseased plants, or weeds with seeds to your compost pile, as these can disrupt the composting process. Adding a compost activator can speed up decomposition. Layering one-part green material with two parts brown material, along with a sprinkle of garden soil to introduce beneficial microbes, ensures an optimal environment for composting.

           
Step 3: Adequate moisture is crucial for compost breakdown. Your compost pile should have the consistency of a damp, wrung-out sponge. Insufficient moisture slows decomposition, while excess water hampers airflow. Check the moisture level weekly and adjust by adding water if needed.

Step 4: Turning your compost pile weekly is essential for aerating the materials and promoting decomposition. This process prevents compaction, ensuring proper airflow throughout the pile.

Step 5: In about two months, your compost should be ready for use. Finished compost is dark brown, moist, and emits an earthy smell. Once you no longer detect heat and can't identify original materials, it's time to incorporate the compost into your garden beds or use it as a nutrient-rich mulch.

Start your composting journey today and witness the transformative impact it has on your garden's health and vitality!