Composting is nature's way of recycling your kitchen and garden waste. Not only can you save money by not having to purchase shop-bought compost, you can improve your garden by helping your soil become more fertile.
Composting created organic resources which- is beneficial to the environment.
Nottingham City Council has partnered up with Get Composting where residents can purchase compost bins at great prices. You will also get a composting guide with each purchase. Visit https://getcomposting.com/en-gb/ to purchase your bin.
How to get started?
Location, location; First thing you need to do is either build or purchase a composting bin. You can purchase compost bins for a very reasonable price from most good garden centres or online. If you decide to build your own have a look at this video for tips.
You can then choose the location for your bin, sited on soil is better but it can also work on concrete too. Putting the bin in a sunny area will speed up the composting process, but it will also work fine in a shaded area. Make sure that your bin is not too close to your house and it is convenient for you.
Start adding your material; any garden clippings including grass can be composted, as well as leftover fruit and vegetable and a small amount of cardboard or paper. Egg boxes are particularly good to use as they allow air pockets into your spaces.
Fill it up and give it some time! Try get a 50/50 mix of greens and browns as this creates the best compost.
| Green | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fresh Leaves | Dead Leaves |
| Old Flowers and Leaves | Paper, Cardboard and Egg Boxes |
| Grass and Hedge Clippings | Small Twigs |
| Fruit Waste | Straw |
| Vegetable Peelings | Sawdust |
Be patient; It takes around 9-12 months for the composting process to be complete, remember to keep adding greens and browns to the top of your bin as you go. You'll know when its ready to use when its turned into a crumbly, dark earthy material. You can use your compost on flower beds, veggie patches or in hanging baskets!