the nutritional value of compost is dependant on the material in it and the speed with which it reaches maturity.

Successful composting is dependant upon these four points:-

• correct balance of ingredients
  

• preparation of material (wood and large leaf material should be shredded)
  

• the moisture content ( should be damp not sodden)
  

• method.
  

Traditionally, composting was done by the Indore or Berkley method which was both back breaking and time consuming. Today there are several types of bins to choose from and at Gardening Aids Ltd we are able to offer you a full range to cover your expectations.
Its important to remember when choosing your method of composting that a good technique ensures minimal losses of nutrients and hence their maximum return to the soil. Composting is just a method of speeding up the natural process so that we can capitalise on the nutrients for our gardens.

The Ratios In Composting

Compost of high fertiliser value can only come from high quality” rubbish. The most important aspect here is the carbon nitrogen (c/n) ratio of the organic materials used. Micro-organisms need both carbon and nitrogen to make protein. As they use about 30 parts by weight of carbon for each part of nitrogen used, we need to supply them with materials having a c/n ratio of about 30. Microbial activity is reduced at higher c/n ratios (low nitrogen supply) and valuable nitrogen may be lost as ammonia gas if the c/n ratio is lower than about 30. In practise, it has been found that the average c/n ratio of the materials in a compost heap should be slightly less than this - in the range 25 to 30 - for the heap to work”. The table will help you achieve somewhere near the optimum c/n ratio. Further mixtures may be formulated according to the materials available. Provided the c/n ratio is right, it is not essential that animal manures are included. Micro-organisms also need abundant supplies of the other nutrient elements, with phosphorous being particularly important. A carbon/phosphorous (c/p) ratio in the range 75 to 150 is needed. Leaves, (especially gum leaves), woody plant residues, and sometimes even lawn clippings ,have c/p ratios above 150. In these situations it is desirable to add more phosphorous to most compost heaps so as to ensure rapid decomposition. Superphosphate can be used, but if a more natural source of phosphorous is preferred, use bone meal or rock phosphate. Use only light sprinklings as more than about 2% by weight can inhibit decomposition. The other nutrients needed by micro-organisms are usually present in sufficient amounts if a wide range of organic materials is used.

Moisture Content

The moisture content of a compost heap is very important. Below about 40% moisture (40g water in 100g moist materials; ie. 40g water + 60g dry matter), organic matter will not decompose rapidly. Over about 60% moisture not enough air can get into the heap and it tends to become anaerobic (no oxygen). It is best, therefore, to aim at 50 to 55% moisture. This is likened to the moisture of a squeezed sponge.

To Lime or Not to Lime

Initially the pH of a compost heap is slightly acidic because the cell sap of plants is acidic. Then the heap becomes even more acidic, due to acids such as acetic, sulphuric, nitric, etc., produced by bacteria. During the thermophilic stage it becomes alkaline through ammonia formation, and finally, near neutral, as the ammonia is absorbed by the acids to form ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, etc. The addition of lime to compost inhibits the absorption of ammonia and can lead to serious nitrogen loss. In a well ventilated compost system, ie. a Compostumbler, no lime is required. In the plastic bin type, because of its inherent tendency to become anaerobic, and therefore excessively acidic, lime must be added.

The Berkeley Method

Published recipes state that alternate layers of high nitrogen and low nitrogen materials should be built up on top of one another into a heap about 1.5mtr high. Local experience suggests that it does not matter much whether the materials are layered or mixed up before hand, so long as the C/N ratio is near the optimum of 25 to 30. To work, the heap needs to be at least one or two cubic metres in volume. Frequent turning for adequate aeration is the secret for successful composting. Providing the heap is turned every two to three days, it should be ready for use in three to four weeks. Because of the size required, this method is not really suitable for suburban gardens.

The Indore Method

This method involves minimum effort, but it takes a long time to produce a usable product. Alternate layers of low nitrogen and high nitrogen materials are heaped on top of one another to a height of about 1.5mtr. The heap should be about 2mtr square at the bottom, tapering to about 1.5mtr if it is free standing. The heap is covered with a 5cm layer of compacted soil to deter flies and to prevent the escape of foul odours. If the heap is turned, the first turning should be eight to ten days after making, then after a further thirty or forty days. The process of decomposition takes a year if the heap is never turned.

Compost Bins

The previous methods are more suitable for semi-commercial or rural situations. Most urban gardens would use some form of compost bin, the most common being the three bin method made of wood or other material where materials are laid down similarly to the Berkeley method but turned from one bin to the next in rotation. There are a large number of proprietary plastic compost bins available, which would, with care produce compost. However, the danger with this kind of bin, is that the heap” will revert to an aerobic decomposition, with its associated smells and low nutritional value of the end product. The most successful of all compost bins is the Sutton's Compostumbler which can produce high nutrient compost within 14 days. No flies, no smell, no mice or rats, and little effort.

Additives Do You Really Need Them?

Some hundreds of species of micro-organisms, mostly bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes (branching bacteria), are involved in decomposing organic materials. Most organic materials have a native population of micro- organisms and others are added to a compost heap in the garden soil often mixed into or layered amongst the organic materials. These micro-organisms start their work of decomposition as soon as moisture and oxygen concentrations are favourable. Many research studies have shown that special preparations of fungi, bacteria or enzymes” are not needed for rapid decomposition; there are plenty of organisms in the materials commonly used to make compost. Only where sawdust (or other relatively sterile materials) form a high proportion of the heap is inoculation not a waste of money. The claimed advantages of some commercial preparations are often due to the extra nitrogen and other nutrients they supply rather than to the micro-organisms they contain. These nutrients can be bought much more cheaply in fertilisers. If in doubt, add a small amount of mature compost to each new heap.

Shredders

Grinding or chopping up the organic material speeds decomposition by increasing the surface area available to micro-organisms. There are available, today, a wide range of inexpensive garden shredders, either petrol or electric powered, to suit your needs. These shredders will turn your garden waste and prunings into an easily compostable mulch.

Lawnmowers

Your lawnmower will supply you with a continuous supply of moist bulk material for your compost. Lawn clippings are especially valuable, when mixed with either peat or untreated sawdust, in tumbler type composters. To keep work to a minimum choose a lawnmower that has a catcher. Hover or side delivery mowers can create a lot of unnecessary work if you are intending to compost. Mulch mowers are very little benefit too if you are wanting to use the clippings. Should you be contemplating a ride on type mower be sure to choose a machine that has already got the chute-catcher attached to it as generally these machines are more efficient. 

Blowers / Vacuum

The outdoor vac is designed to capture all those elusive autumn leaves from gardens beds, under shrubbery, and those awkward corners. Naturally they are great for lawns, driveways and gutters. Blower vacs come in many shapes and form. There are hand held machines as well as on-the-ground-push type. Both are available in electric as well as the freedom loving petrol variety. Apart from their comfort and mobility check out their ability to shred. Some vacs are so efficient at shredding you can simply empty your vac bag straight into your compost.

Pleasure Makers

There are many labour saving products available on the market today to increase your productivity and reduce stress. Check out the Gubba range of product from the handy carry bags to garden boots.