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= ‘Composting is about balance - don’t overload your heap with too much of any one kind of waste. It’s fine to add citrus, \. onion and eucalyptus leaves, just not in great quantities or too often (or in a garage or basement) in a cool, shaded spot. Above-ground bins are ideal if you have the room. “You can process more food scraps and large amounts of garden waste," says Kate. Position bins or tumblers in an easily accessible spot — a shadier setting will help the compost stay moist, while direct sun will speed up the process. Recipe for success The type of waste is important. You need alternating layers of nitrogen- based (green) and carbon-based (brown) materials. Greens include food scraps, grass clippings and garden trimmings; browns include small twigs and branches, straw, newspaper, and non-glossy paper or cardboard. Tear up materials into small pieces to help increase the rate of decomposition. Introduce oxygen by aerating your compost regularly, says Chantel Brillantes of Tumbleweed. “Aeration promotes microbial activity, which helps break down the materials faster,” she explains. Use a compost aerator to easily bring air into the mix. A moist environment allows microbes to flourish, adds Chantel. “Only a small amount of water is required — not too wet and not too dry,” she says. For the perfect compost, Kate recommends one part green to two parts brown; aerate frequently and maintain moisture levels. “The result of this recipe turns a waste problem into a garden solution,” she says. Garden gold Don't rely on time as a measure of compost maturity, says Chantel. “The time varies between systems — acompost bin can be ready in as little as four weeks, but a worm farm can take three to six months,” she explains. Instead, judge it by how it looks, feels and even smells. “Compost is ready for use when it becomes dark brown, crumbly and has an earthy smell,” says Kate. “It also needs to be cool to touch - if it's hotter than ambient outdoor temperature, it needs to rest before use.” Keep in mind... ™ Always wear a mask and gloves when handling compost, mulch or potting mix. ™ Store all garden chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. DO IT ‘WHAT TO COMPOST Do: ™ Food scraps ™ Newspaper, non-glossy paper and cardboard (shredded is best) = Grass clippings and garden trimmings @ Organic mulch @ Hair, feathers and fur DON'T: = Weeds that have gone to seed = Diseased plant parts = Cat or dog droppings = Meat or dairy (unless in a bokashi bin) @ Tough-skinned fruit, like watermelon, which takes along time to break down SHOP 4] 1 1 Tumbleweed ‘Compost Mate’ tool, $19.95, 1/N: 0025605. 2 Maze 18L bokashi indoor compost bin, $69, I/N: 3160004 (includes 500m liquid bokashi). 3 Saxon 160L compost bin, $135, I/N: 0241589. 4 Maze bokashi compost bin liquid additive, $13.98/500ml, I/N: 3160030. 5 Yates compost maker, $19.88/2kg, I/N: 0257711. 6 Tumbleweed premium compost accelerator, $24.95, I/N: 0104882. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ® bunnings |G) bunningsnz | bunnings.co.nz 63 SOIL ENRICHMENT ?
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