Composting

Composting - The Facts

Up to 30% of an average household's waste is organic and can be turned into compost.

Composting is the best way to treat organic waste as not only does it save valuable landfill space by reducing the amount we throw away, but it replaces commercially produced peat products which can damage important wildlife sites.

Adding compost to your soil will nourish the soil by adding nutrients.  It will also improve soil structure and attract earthworms, which in turn improve the health of your soil further.

Whilst compost does not completely replace fertilisers its use is the key to an organic garden.

Compost can be placed on vegetable gardens and flower beds or around trees.  It makes excellent 'mulch' to discourage weeds and keep moisture in the soil.

Sieved compost is ideal for potting, window boxes and hanging baskets.

Getting Started

• It is best to make your compost in an enclosure or container although a heap will work if kept covered.

• Ready made compost bins are available from the Isle of Wight Council at a reduced rate.

• After siting your composter you should fill it with alternate layers of wet (e.g. kitchen scraps) and dry (e.g. vacuum cleaner dust) waste.

• If available add some finished compost, garden soil or a compost starter (available from most garden centres) to the pile. This will help to speed up the start of the composting process.

• Adding a supply of branchling worms will also help. These are available from angling suppliers or can be collected from your garden.