Making your own compost is a fantastic way to create fertile, healthy soil for your garden down under. Not only does composting reduce waste, it provides free organic matter that will nourish your plants and save you a few bob on store-bought products.
The ideal composting location is a shady spot that gets some morning sunlight to warm things up. Make sure it has good drainage – soggy compost promotes harmful bacteria. Position it near your veggie patch for easy access. Keep it away from pet waste and other contaminants.
Now it’s time to gather ingredients from around your home and garden! Stockpile nitrogen-rich ‘greens’ like grass clippings, fruit and veggie scraps, and garden prunings. For carbon, collect ‘browns’ such as fallen leaves, straw, sawdust, and shredded paper. Use 3 parts greens to 1 part browns. Don’t forget to add some tiger worms from your local nursery to speed up breakdown!
Your Sustainable Australian Garden: Compost Guidelines
Items | Category |
---|---|
What Should Go Into a Compost Bin: | |
Fruit and vegetable scraps | Garden’s Delight |
Coffee grounds and filters | Coffee’s Second Life |
Tea bags (remove staples if present) | Tea’s Green Magic |
Fresh grass clippings (in moderation) | Green Lawn Goodness |
Plant trimmings and prunings | Garden’s Renewal |
Houseplant trimmings | Indoor Green Gift |
Weeds (avoid those with mature seeds) | Weed Wisdom |
Leaves (shredded for faster decomposition) | Autumn’s Gold |
Straw and hay | Nature’s Mulch |
Shredded paper (non-glossy) | Recycled Renewal |
Cardboard (shredded or torn) | Eco-Bedding Base |
Wood chips and sawdust (in moderation) | Mulching Mastery |
Dry, dead plants | Nature’s Resurgence |
Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to the compost. | Calcium Boost |
Nut Shells: Crushed nut shells like walnuts and pecans can be composted, but they decompose more slowly. | Nutrient Capsules |
Natural Fibers: Cotton and wool scraps, as well as natural fiber clothing (cut into small pieces). | Eco-Friendly Textiles |
Hair and Fur: From pets or yourself. | Nature’s Shedding |
Manure: Herbivore animal manure (cow, horse, rabbit, etc.) can be added, but avoid carnivore or omnivore animal waste. | Animal Enrichment |
Food-soiled Paper: Unwaxed paper plates, napkins, and paper towels with food residues. | Kitchen’s Green Helper |
What Should Not Go Into a Compost Bin: | |
Meat and Dairy: These can attract pests and produce unpleasant odors. | Better Left Aside |
Fats and Oils: Greasy or oily food waste should be avoided. | Not a Fit |
Processed Foods: Highly processed foods may contain additives that don’t break down well. | Quality Over Quantity |
Bread and Pasta: These can attract pests and take a long time to break down. | Wiser Choices |
Diseased Plants: Plants with diseases can spread pathogens in your compost. | Gardening Health First |
Weeds with Mature Seeds: These seeds might survive the composting process and end up sprouting in your garden. | Guard Against Growth |
Invasive Plants: Seeds or plant parts of invasive species can spread when the compost is used. | Preserve Diversity |
Pet Waste: Cat or dog waste can contain harmful pathogens. | Not Suitable |
Plastic and Synthetic Materials: These don’t break down and can contaminate your compost. | Eco-Unfriendly |
Glossy Paper: Paper with a glossy finish or colored ink may contain toxins. | Skip Them |
Your sustainable gardening journey in Australia is a commitment to nature, community, and quality. With every choice, you shape a green haven that thrives sustainably. Let’s share knowledge, foster growth, and build a community that cultivates not only gardens but a sustainable future.
Build a compost bin or enclosure to house your pile. Use timber, wire mesh, or plastic to contain it. Pop a lid on your bin to lock in moisture and keep out pests.
Layer your materials like a delicious compost pie! Start with browns, add greens, more browns, and so on. Bury food scraps deep to deter critters. Give your pile a turn with a garden fork each week to boost aeration. Spray water if the compost seems dry.
Be patient, as quality compost takes time to mature. In 2-4 months your pile will transform into that beautiful, crumbly, earthy compost.
When ready, dig generous amounts into your veggie and flower beds. Your plants will thrive with this organic matter. Any extra makes brilliant compost tea fertiliser for your garden!
Composting is immensely rewarding for Aussie gardeners. You’ll save on waste disposal while improving your soil. Your plants will thank you!
Let us know if you need any other composting tips. We’re always happy to help fellow green thumbs create sustainable gardens down under.