How to make compost

Garden compost is a soil enhancer created from decomposed plant materials, typically made in a compost bin or heap. It’s used to enrich soil fertility, improve its structure, and increase water retention and is an excellent way to utilise your garden waste. It needs to include ‘green’ and ‘brown’ material to get the right level of bacteria and micro-organisms that will benefit your garden.

While these materials can be recycled through council waste collections, it makes more sense to take advantage of them by creating compost in your own garden.

When applied to the soil surface or lightly mixed in, homemade compost introduces valuable organic matter that improves soil structure, aeration, and biodiversity. It can enhance moisture retention in sandy soils and improve drainage in heavier clay soils. Additionally, when used as mulch, it helps maintain soil moisture and reduces evaporation during the summer months.