WHAT IS COMPOSTING?

Composting is a natural process which coverts organic waste into an earthlike mass by means of bacteria and micro-organisms. The composting process is supported by larvae, wood lice, beetles, worms and other such creatures. Moisture and oxygen are the other important factors in the composting process. Heat is generated in the composting process. As a result, the temperature in the composter may rise to 50ºC. Micro-organisms flourish at this temperature, enabling the composting process to proceed more rapidly.

Compost can save you money:

• Provides a free soil conditioner.
• Helps soil retain moisture - reducing water consumption.

Compost can help your garden:

• Improves plant health and growth - increasing yield of fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
• Increases nutritional quality of home grown foods.
• Reduces reliance on toxic chemicals and pesticides.

Compost can improve our environment:

• Converts waste into a valuable resource.
• Reduces reliance on landfills of waste.
• Recycles nutrients back into the soil.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR 'GREEN INTENTIONS' COMPOSTER

• Stand the 'Green Intentions' composter onto soil or grass.
• Locate the lid over the top of the aperture.
• If your unit has a slide hatch, simply slide into place.
• Your 'Green Intentions' composter is now ready for use.

HOW TO MAKE COMPOST

The following should be taken into account to ensure an optimum composting process:Position of the composter: Placing the container in the sun will increase the temperature inside the unit, and thus accelerate the composting process. Compost structure: To ensure good circulation, it is advisable to place a layer of twigs, cut flowers or remains of house plants at the bottom of the unit. Layers of fruit, vegetable and garden waste can then be added, mixed if possible. Do not however, fill the composter beyond 80% of its capacity.

Compost ventilation: As the composting mass is relatively moist it will condense, reducing the amount of air in it. Regular poking or stirring with a stick or garden fork will create ventilation channels in the material, helping the composting process.

WHAT CAN BE COMPOSTED?

Most garden waste, such as: Grass cuttings, hedge clippings, weeds, old plants & garden cuttings, vegetable wastes, branches & twigs (cut into pieces) and fallen leaves.

Most kitchen waste, such as: Vegetable & fruit remains, tea bags & coffee grounds, cut flower & house plant remains, crushed egg shells, fruit waste and newspaper.

WHAT CAN’T BE COMPOSTED?

Cooked & uncooked meat, poultry & fish, cat and dog faeces, things that are not biodegradable (such as plastics & metals) and garden waste which has recently been treated with weed-killer (such as grass cuttings from a recently treated lawn).

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Unpleasant odours: When vegetation decomposes, it is normal for it to smell a bit. If the odour becomes unpleasant, the heap may have become too compacted. To solve this, use a garden fork or stick to lift the layers of composting mass – adding air & hence reducing odours. Compost is very dry: If the compost appears very dry, simply turn the material with a garden fork or stick, adding water while you do so.

Compost is wet and slimy: If this is the case, then perhaps too much green wastes (e.g. Grass clippings) have been added. Mix in some woody materials, straw or newspaper to solve the problem.

NEED MORE HELP?

Contact us at Green Intentions on 0845 299 0929.