Very few if indeed any kitchen gardens are without a compost bin or heap. Composting is a way of converting any organism that has once been living into a nutrient rich product. This when added to the soil, not only introduces nutrients from which your plants will benefit, but improves the soil structure.

A composting project also fits in well with the primary science curriculum for instance possible links with Sorting and using materials, Grouping and changing materials, Rocks and soils, Micro-organisms.

Composting is an all year round activity; however, you will find that some times of the year are more active than others.

What type of container?

There are many types of containers available for composting or you can use a homemade compost bin. Some gardens are content to just create a compost heap!

For examples of some commercial containers click here

Health & Safety concerns:

Health and safety issues can be a concern in school as teachers may see the compost heap as a source of germs and something that will attract vermin. If you are concerned about attracting vermin then stick to composting plant materials.

There are also other sensible safety precautions that should be taken. Gloves should be worn when handling any composting material. Cuts or open wound should be covered and as for all gardening activities tetanus protection should be in place. Hands should be washed well with soap and water after handling any composting material.

Compost heaps can produce spores that can adversely affect people with breathing difficulties or immune deficiencies and so such people should be kept away from compost heaps when turning the material.

Positioning your compost area:

The first task will be to decide on the position of your composting container. This ideally will be in a position that is lightly shaded and where it is easily accessible. It should be set on the soil to enable soil micro-organisms free access and also to facilitate drainage. Any of the compost bins on the market should produce compost as long as they exclude rain, retain some warmth, allow drainage and let in air. Larger bins are more effective than smaller ones.

What can be composted?

Composting materials are classified as green and brown.

Brown materials are older and rot slower. They include: prunings and hedge trimmings, leaves, paper and card (torn up or shredded), straw and plant stems. They produce a drier product when rotted and also produce air pockets in the heap. If possible larger pieces of materials should be shredded.

As a rough guide the same amounts of green and brown material should be used and this should be applied to the heap in rough layers. There is no need to be overly concerned about accurate proportions but don’t allow one type of materials to dominate.

Helping the process:

The heap needs to be turned to add air - this can be done by moving the pile from one container to another. Some containers can be rotated.

Compost heaps can take up to a couple of years to produce good compost – much depends on the conditions and types of materials and containers being used. Mature compost will be dark brown, with a crumbly soil-like texture and a smell resembling damp woodland.

Some commercial composters claim to considerably speed up the process.
Possible problems:
If your compost heap is becoming too wet and slimy and beginning to smell; cover the heap to keep out the rain and add more woody (brown) material.

If your compost heap is too dry and seems not to be rotting then add more green waste. You could also add water.

Flies should not be a problem unless you use kitchen waste. If you do use kitchen waste cover the compost with garden waste.

Useful links: