Compost is nature’s way of recycling. For thousands of years people have used compost because of its significant effect on the growth of food crops. Made from waste garden material, compost is an essential ingredient for creating rich, friable soil and therefore healthy plants.

Why Use Compost:

• Successful gardeners often refer to compost as a soil’s lifeline. The more nutrient and organic matter we add to a soil the better it will be.
• Compost improves soil structure and increases the amount of oxygen available to plants.
• Compost conditions soil; in clay soil it will improve drainage and in sandy soil it will increase water holding capacity.
• By adding compost you will increase the soil’s fertility, enabling you to produce better crops. Feed the soil and it will feed you.

When to Use Compost:

Compost should be used when preparing vegetable gardens for planting. Place a 10cm layer all over the garden beds and dig it into the existing soil. When planting trees and shrubs mix a bucket of compost into the hole to help establish the plant.

You can make your own compost from kitchen scraps and garden waste, or buy ready-made Tui Organic Compost at your local garden centre.

How to Make Compost:

• Choose a good structure or container to hold your compost. Tumbleweed Compost Bins are a great option, particularly for those in urban areas as they keep the compost contained.
• Prepare your compost in layers that are a blend of carbon and nitrogen. That means wood and green waste.
• Leaf, sticks, twigs and newspaper all qualify as carbon. Anything green and leafy, (and your kitchen scraps) count as nitrogen.
• Add some existing compost, to the bin or pile - it contains the microbes to get the composting process underway.
• Add Tui Compost Enhancer to each layer of material as you prepare your heap. The hydrated lime accelerates composting and helps neutralise acidic soils. Hydrated Lime is the fastest acting form of lime. Apply 100g (approximately 10 tablespoons) per square metre to help accelerate compost decomposition. It is also excellent for keeping flies away.
• Add moisture and put the lid on your compost bin or cover the heap (old carpet is a good option) to enable it to decompose quickly.
• Mix your compost regularly.
• It is 'compost' when it is dark brown and earthy smelling.

Composting Tips:

• Don't add meat products, bread or dairy to your compost heap or bin as they tend to attract pests.
• Don't add diseased plant material, to avoid spreading the disease.
• Egg shells, fruit and vege scraps and coffee grounds are all good additions to your compost heap.
• Break larger items like sticks and twigs up before adding them, to help them break up more quickly.
• Shredded paper can be added too - if your compost gets a bit too wet, add paper to help soak up excess water.