The answer is simply - EVERYONE!
Composting is a super easy activity that will positively impact your hip pocket as well. Just think - you won't need to buy organic compost if you follow these simple steps and start composting in your own green space.
OK, firstly, grab your favourite Cream Collection Lifestyle gardening apron here, and away we go!
To help you start with your composting journey – we have put together a TO-DO list to help you get going.
Choose your method and location.
The size of your yard will determine whether you should have a compost bin or a garden compost pile. For small backyards, static or tumbling composting bins are good options. The place we visit each Saturday and Sunday for a sausage in a roll has a great selection of these. If you have more room, you can create a compost pile or bay – this can be made by using discarded pallets – just make sure it has a little shade so the composting material doesn't dry out.
Green and Brown compost.
There are two main categories of organic compost – green and brown. Green comprises fruit and veggie scraps, tea, coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, plant cuttings, old flowers, and some weeds. Brown comprises things like straw, paper (ripped into small pieces), cardboard, dry leaves, and sawdust – not treated wood. Rule of the green thumb is that you need two thirds ‘brown’ compost to one third ‘green’ compost.
Know what to avoid.
You cannot put diseased plants, dog doo, cooking fat, glossy paper, or weeds with seeds into your compost. You can use chook poo, though!
The layer method for larger gardens
Layer the material – start with a base layer of twigs, mulch, or an old potting mix – this will encourage air circulation and provide better drainage. Then layer, one brown layer, one green layer, follow the layers of green and brown material. Add water to each layer to keep the pile moist but not too wet. Make sure you add two parts of brown material to one part green. Finish off with a layer of soil or finished compost to help reduce odours from your stack. Turn and aerate the organic compost with a fork every week or two. Another option is to poke the pile with garden stakes or put a plastic pipe into the mix to let the air circulate through the compost pile.
The tumble method.
You will have seen the small barrel-like things with a handle on the side to tumble your organic compost, or larger barrel containers which hold about 100 litres of compost. With the tumble composters, there is a straightforward rule of thumb to follow - two-thirds brown matter and one-third green matter. Tumble every week to aerate the contents.
Reaping the benefits.
Compost is ready when the contents have broken down to a rich, dark brown colour and crumbly in texture. When ready, you can start distributing your ‘black gold’ all over your garden beds … yay!
It can take a few months for the process to complete, so be patient. Organic compost is a natural soil conditioner that adds nutrients and helps your garden retain moisture during the warmer months. Using compost reduces the need to add harmful, synthetic fertilisers and makes your plants more resistant to disease.
You may ask - why is airflow important?
The compost must keep moving or be able to have air moving through it - otherwise, the whole breaking down process will stop, becoming a dank, heavy mass.
And - What happens if I drown my compost?
You will know this happens when there are sections with too much moisture and the compost clumps and is too dense. The pile will smell (badly) rather than the lovely earthy smell that emanates from a healthy compost pile. You can either remove that clumpy, wet layer , or mix in more dry leaf matter. This can take a little time, but you will get there.
Did you know that our aprons are biodegradable?
In many, many years to come, once your apron has reached it’s “best by date” you can add your apron to the compost pile.
How do you do this?
Want to share how your garden loves your organic compost? Share your garden with us – post and tag us at @cream_collection_lifestyle to show us how you are growing! We love hearing from you.
We can't wait to see how your garden improves when you start using your own black gold and we hope that these points help you start on your compost journey.