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A simple guide to home composting
In the past year or so, we’ve all been spending more time at home, and enjoying our gardens. To ensure that yours is looking it’s best, compost is key.
Compost is not only great for your garden, but making your own is far more economical, plus it’s an environmentally friendly way of disposing of food waste.
At Lincolnshire Co-op, we have taken steps to ensure that our carrier bags are 100% compostable, making them perfect for lining home compost caddies. They will be broken down alongside the organic material, meaning they can be deposited directly into your outside compost bin.
Top composting tips
To ensure that your compost is packed with all the nutrients that your greenery needs to grow, just follow these top tips:
Set yourself up for success
The initial positioning of your compost is critical. Your compost bin should sit directly on soil, on a level, well-drained spot. This allows easy access for worms, who are essential in breaking down the contents.
Achieve a good balance
When filling your compost bin, aim to add an equal mix of brown and green materials.
Green waste includes things such as grass cuttings, weeds, and leftovers from fruit - even tea bags can go in! This produces nitrogen and the necessary moisture.
Brown waste can be things like newspapers, cardboard egg boxes, or hedge trimmings. This allows air pockets to form in the mixture and produces carbon.
Know what to avoid
Strictly avoid meat and dairy products, though eggshells can add important minerals. Decayed plants, animal poo, and perennial weeds will also have undesirable effects on the quality of your compost.
Give it a mix
Turn the compost occasionally with a garden fork to ensure that all the contents are mixed and to improve air circulation.
This process will speed up decomposition and should create a warm heap as a result. When the concoction begins to cool, it’s a sign that it’s time to turn again.
Maintain the moisture
Compost should be covered and sheltered from the rain. If the compost is looking dry you can add a little water. However, the more green materials you use, the less water you will need!
Recognise when it's ready
Finally, after months of love and care, the compost will be good to go!
You know when it’s time, because the smell of the soil is sweet, it’s about half the volume of the initial materials, and you can’t recognise any of the items that you put in. It should resemble dark soil and have a spongy texture.
Lincolnshire Co-op's compostable bags are available in our food stores
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