Creating homemade compost is one of the most effective methods to fertilise soil, recycle household waste and reduce environmental impact.
By producing compost at home, gardeners can eliminate the need for commercial chemical fertilisers while repurposing everyday kitchen scraps, garden waste and cardboard.
For home gardeners looking to start their own pile, utilising a tumbling bin is a highly efficient, neat, and pest-resistant option.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
Materials
– Garden waste
– Kitchen scraps
– Organic compost (to start the process)
– Pea straw
– A tumbling bin
Step 1: Choose the right location
Finding the correct position for your compost bin is critical to its success.
Place the tumbler in a well-drained, shaded area.
Placing it in direct sunlight can dry out the mixture too quickly, halting the decomposition process.
A tumbling bin is highly recommended for residential yards.
It keeps out pests such as rats, maintains a neat appearance and accelerates the composting process because regular rotation increases aeration.
Step 2: Balance the browns and greens
To kickstart the decomposition process, add initial organic compost and pea straw to the bin.
From there, aim for an even ratio of “brown” to “green” waste:
– Brown waste (high carbon): Paper, shredded cardboard and straw.
– Green waste (high nitrogen): Coffee grounds, manure and kitchen scraps.
Unlike traditional compost heaps that require meticulous layering of different waste types, a tumbling bin allows you to simply toss the materials in together to be mixed during rotation.
Step 3: Rotate weekly and
monitor the mix
To keep the bacteria active and the compost aerated, spin the tumbling bin at least once a week.
While most organic waste is suitable, certain materials must be excluded to prevent odours, pests and pathogens.
Do not add the following to your compost:
– Meat or dairy products
– Dog or cat feces
– Diseased plant material
When is it ready?
The compost is ready to apply to your garden once the original materials have fully broken down.
The final product should look like rich, dark soil and have a pleasant, earthy smell.
Once it reaches this stage, it is ready to be dug into your garden beds ahead of the spring planting season.
