Your Composting Questions Answered...

What is garden compost?
Compost looks like rich, dark soil. It is made of recycled kitchen and garden waste. It is used to feed and condition the soil and in making potting mixes.

Is it the same as multipurpose compost?
No. Sowing, potting and multipurpose composts that you buy in garden centres are mixtures of various materials such as sand, coir and fertilisers. These are used for raising seedlings and growing plants in pots.

Is it a lot of work?
Making compost can be as easy as putting a few weeds and vegetable scraps onto a compost heap - or you can put a lot of effort into it. It's up to you.

How long does it take?
Compost can be made in six to eight weeks, or it can take a year or more. In general, the more effort you put in, the quicker you will get compost.

Will a compost heap breed pests?
Compost is made by a host of small and microscopic creatures. These are not pests and will not overrun your garden.

Is compost safe to handle?
Yes, if the usual garden hygiene rules are followed. Keep cuts covered, wash hands before eating and keep your anti-tetanus protection up to date.

Why is my compost black, slimy and smelly?
Its probably got too much green material, too much water and not enough air in it. Mix it with brown material; add sawdust or shredded paper to absorb some of the water, and make sure it has a good air circulation. Add some activator (natural or commercial) and keep an eye on it.

Why is my compost a big dry heap of twigs?
Probably because its made up of too much brown, woody material, and isn't moist enough. This isn't a common problem in small gardens, but if your heap is like this, try to shred the contents, add some green material, and water it.

My compost is infested with woodlice!
This is ok, but it can indicate the heap is too dry. Give it a good mix, and add some water if needed.

Will I get rats in my compost heap or bin?
Compost heaps don't necessarily attract rats, however if there are rats in the area, they will probably visit the heap now and then. If your area has a vermin problem, don't put food waste on the heap. Call your district council for help on vermin problems.

Can I make compost using just kitchen scraps?
You can, but it might be better to feed kitchen scraps to a wormery or digester. If you do choose to compost them, make sure you add a balancing amount of scrunched up paper, card or other 'brown' material. If you have vermin in the area, they may be attracted to the smell and use the compost bin as a food source.

Can I put food waste in my compost bin?

You can, but be aware that meat, fish or bones might attract rats unless it's buried deep in the heap. It might also spread disease, and we do not recommend it. See our ingredients list for full details.

Can I put dog or cat litter in my compost bin?

We do not recommend it. Animal litter can contain diseases, and should be disposed of in a more appropriate way. You can add small amounts to a digester though.

What kind of things can I compost?

Virtually anything organic can be composted. See our composting ingredients list for more details and examples of what materials you can and cannot use.

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions, please click here to fill in our contact form, and ask your question there. One of our team will reply as soon as possible.