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What is compost?
Compost consists of decaying plant material that’s added to soil to improve its overall quality
Compost consists of decaying plant material that’s added to soil to improve its overall quality.
Composting is a natural process where materials like leaves, grass clippings, leftover vegetables, manure, and other organic materials are broken down by microorganisms, resulting in a nutrient-rich, soil-like substance that can be used as a fertiliser and a soil conditioner.
Explore Forward Builders’ Supplies’ select range of compost options here.
What is composting?
You can create compost in your own garden; many people will invest in a composter or compost bin for this purpose, but the most popular option is buying ready prepared compost that’s been made commercially.
Industrial composting is the large-scale processing of organic waste into compost.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your food and garden waste collected by the council, the chances are it’s turned into compost for a garden after being processed at a facility in the same way as you might do it while at home.
The only difference is that the decomposition of organic material is accelerated by the industrial process. However, the same rotting organic waste will end up transformed into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to help grow fruit vegetables and flowers.
What can (and can’t) be composted?
Industrial compost is strictly regulated, but even if you make your own you should not include meat, bones, or fish scraps, as these could attract pests.
The basic categories of compostable products are green and brown wastes, so garden waste such as grass cuttings and dry leaves and food waste such as fruits, vegetables, eggshells and coffee grounds are acceptable.
So too are things like wood chips and sawdust.
A list of no’s includes pet and human waste, or bioplastics.
Types of compost
Multi-purpose compost
This is a compost that works for almost everything.
Seed and cutting compost
A peat-free compost that’s specifically created for seeds and cuttings will be a lot finer, and usually contain grit or sand to help delicate roots grow down easily.
Peat-based compost
Peat is a naturally-occurring substance that’s been formed over millions of years from partially decomposed organic matter. Plants thrive on it, but its excavation is damaging the planet.
Peat-free compost
A greener alternative is peat free compost that mimics the type of compost you might create at home.
Loam-based compost
A loam-based compost has a proportion of loam soil and contains a balanced mix of clay, sand, and silt.
Ericaceous compost
Ericaceous compost is best for acid-loving plants including rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, and blueberries, which thrive less in alkaline soils.
Mushroom compost
Mushroom compost was developed as a by-product of commercial mushroom growing and is an excellent option as it is full of nutrients and is slightly alkaline.
Be aware that it may contain peat if this was used for growing the original crop.
Explore Forward Builders’ Supplies’ select range of compost options here.
Benefits of using compost in the garden
- To add nutrients to the soil
- For a mulch supply
- As a soil improver, mixing compost into soil in beds before sowing or planting
- To fertilise a lawn, using the compost as a natural fertiliser by adding an inch or two of compost to grass, and raking it in
- For improving drainage.
- To retain moisture
How long does it take to make compost?
The biggest difference between the composting you do at home and industrial composting is the length of time it takes.
If you’re making it at home in a compost bin, it can take anything from six months to two years.
Industrial composting can take from six weeks to six months.
This is because industrial composting creates the ideal conditions for the breakdown of organic matter, accelerating the process.
Browse Forward Builders’ Supplies’ hand-picked selection of compost options here.
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