Composting a whole range of stuff can lead to you having a better garden.
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Gardening expert Reg Kidd said compost provided valuable nutrients and was also handy to break down clay in your yard.
In the latest of our series of gardening tips he shows you how to make compost work for you as we handle the Level 5 water restrictions.
ADVANTAGES
- Adds nutrients
- Improves water holding capacity
- Improves aeration
- Makes clay more workable
- Encourages earthworms in your garden
- Makes a useful mulch
COMPOST CONTAINERS
Cr Kidd said moisture content in any type of compost heap is important as it creates a good environment for worms and for bacteria that helps break down organic waste.
"An open compost bin is ideal for allowing rain to add moisture but it should be monitored in drier conditions," he said.
"If the compost bin has a lid more care should be taken to maintain a moist, but not too wet, environment."
Cr Kidd said with the right level of moisture, constant feeding and a pH level of seven, worms will multiply quickly and break down the material.
He said placing the container in a shady area was important to reduce the amount of heat build up in the compost.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR COMPOST
- Vegetable and food scraps, wood ash, grass and garden clippings, sawdust, leaves, weeds, prunings, straw, seaweed, crushed bones, human and pet hair, newspaper, manure, vacuum cleaner waste, coffee grounds, egg shells and cooking oil.
DON'T USE
- Meat, plastics, metals, weeds that carry seedheads or those that might survive composting such as wandering jew, waxy plant material, diseased plants or those that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
WHAT TO ADD
- Lime and worms. Buy worms or add them from your garden.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
