Composting can take between 6 months to a year before you see any results but the wait is worth it.
When the compost is finished it will look rich and crumbly with a sweet earthy smell. You still may find some stubborn bits of waste amongst the compost that has survived the process but just throw those back into the top of the bin to compost some more.
Don’t worry, if you think your compost looks a bit rough, it may not look like shop bought but it will certainly contain all the right plant nutrients and organic matter.
Easy ways to use your compost
The easiest way to use your compost is to use it to top dress beds, borders and pots. Put around 3-5cm of compost around the plants and water. Nutrients from the compost will percolate through the soil to feed your plants.
You can also use a trowel full of compost when planting out your vegetables, herbs and fruit bushes.
Digging the compost into the soil is harder work but can greatly improve the structure of your soil. It will open up a heavy clay soil and improve the drainage. Compost added to a sandy soil can increase its water and nutrient holding capacity also help against soil erosion.
Make potting compost
Sieve 1/3rd compost finely into a bucket, then sieve 1/3rd garden soil into the same bucket, lastly add 1/3rd gardeners sand mix thoroughly and use.
Do not be heavy handed with the compost in this recipe as homemade compost is very nutrient rich and will be too strong for your seedling.
Because of its resistance to pathogens, using your own compost to make potting compost can ward off the fungal disease known as “damping off”.
