- Compost build-up in a conventional composter
- Compost build-up in the thermal composter
- The right mix makes the difference!
- What is not allowed on the compost?
- Lime compost - yes or no?
Compost is the gardener's gold. This old adage is still valid today. That is why a compost heap in the garden is indispensable. You can even make compost in a bucket on the patio. The right structure is crucial. How does the compost structure look like?
Kitchen filling and garden cutting should alternate on the compost
Compost build-up in a conventional composter
With a conventional composter in the garden, you first lay out a thin layer of chopped shrubs or leaves. Bark mulch can also be used as an alternative.
Then fill up with shredded garden leftovers and waste from the kitchen.
If available, sprinkle a few scoops of already half-rotted compost over the compost materials as a starter. You can also use commercially available compost starter.
Compost build-up in the thermal composter
Set up the thermal composter and also create a bottom layer of shrubbery. Then fill up with the material to be composted. Be careful not to get the mixture too wet.
After the first layer of compost material, add either ready-made compost or compost starter to the materials.
The right mix makes the difference!
Good compost contains balanced nutrients, is not too wet or too dry, and does not smell. Therefore, the right mixture plays an important role.
Mix waste that is too wet, for example from the kitchen, with remains of shrubs and other dry materials. You can also use cardboard, egg cartons or paper for this.
What is not allowed on the compost?
- dog poop
- Cat litter only conditionally
- sick plants
- Plant debris with pests
When composting lawn clippings and leaves, especially walnut leaves, be sure to mix the material well with other materials. Otherwise the compost will become very acidic.
Do not put too much grass clippings or leaves in the composter at once, but divide the amounts up. Then the compost will not go moldy so quickly.
Lime compost - yes or no?
Liming the compost is often recommended. However, this only makes sense if the compost material is very acidic. Lime increases the pH value.
Rock flour (€14.13) is better suited for composting than lime. The flour does not harm the microorganisms as much as lime.
tips
Shred all garden and kitchen waste carefully. A shredder with which you can shred the waste very well is beneficial for large gardens.