Whether added to seed-starting mixes, container plants, garden beds, or lawns we all know that compost is great for the garden. Here are some compost ideas that will make your garden thrive:
Grass Cuttings – If you don’t want to leave these on the lawn where they ultimately disappear and feed the grass then mix them into a leaf mould heap or use them as a soil mulch.
Autumn Leaves – You can simply add these to your compost heap or make a leaf mould. To make a leaf mould you can either stuff wet leaves into a loosely tied plastic sack or an open wire mesh container and leave for a year or two. It will then be ready to use as an excellent soil amendment.
Perennial Weeds – These can be mixed with Grass Cuttings and left in a plastic sack for a couple of months until the weeds have disintegrated. Weeds are rich in plant foods so once they have dissolved into your grass cuttings you can add them to your compost heap.
Hedge Clippings/Prunings – These can be chopped or shredded and mixed with and added to compost heaps or composted separately. If you compost them separately then over time it will turn into excellent coarse mulch for your perennial beds.
Paper – Newspaper, cardboard, paper towels and other paper items which may have become stained with food scraps and are not suitable for recycling can actually be composted. This is an environmentally-friendly approach to composting.
Animal Manure – Horse, cattle and poultry manure mixed with wood shavings is good for composting. Animal droppings from small pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs also make good composting materials.
Composting takes patience and adequate garden space to do well but if you are diligent about creating compost and follow some of the above tips then your garden will thrive for years to come.
Audio For Blog post ->
