Composting is essential for any keen organic gardener. As long as you follow the basic guidelines for creating compost, you can create your own supply of this valuable commodity to enrich your soil and take care of waste from the house and garden. In the summer you will usually find that your compost pile grows quickly with garden clippings and lawn trimmings etc.. But you will have to take care of your compost to make sure that it does break everything down in the right way. Here are a few tips to help you keep on top of your compost heap during the summer months:
Keep The Compost Moist (But Not Waterlogged) All Summer
The
UK summer can throw up some surprises when it comes to the amount of
precipitation. Whether you have too much rain, or too little, neither
will be good for an untended compost heap. Ideally, a compost should
be moist but not too wet – think wrung out sponge. If it is very
dry then you should simply make sure that each layer that you add is
watered down so it is damp. If you have too much rain and things get
quite extreme then you can consider covering your compost, to keep
off the rain. Though obviously if you do cover your compost then you
will have to make sure it stays moist.
Turn Compost Regularly To Keep It Mixed and Aerated
Turning
your compost will allow it to remain aerated and will prevent the
nasty smells attendant to anaerobic decomposition. If you turn your
compost every couple of weeks, the compost will be ready sooner and
will not turn sludgy and stinky. A compost tumbler is especially good
at keeping the mix aerated and will result in a good compost more
quickly than an ordinary bin or heap.
Remember
To Make Thin Layers of Brown and Green (Especially when it comes to
cut grass.)
Layering
is a good way to ensure that you get a compost with a good mix of
carbon and nitrogen rich items. Adding compost in thinner,
alternating layers is more important in the summer months as you are
likely to have nitrogen rich gluts in the form of cut grass. This cut
grass, if added to the compost heap in one big clump without other
things, can end up a slimy mess. Keep adding grass clippings but make
sure you add brown layers of cardboard etc. in between. That way you
can be sure to get a great compost at the end of the season.