If you’re a first timer when it comes to using your own compost, you have landed in the right spot. There are so many different ways you can use your compost in your garden. As long as you’ve got the right mix then you’re already off to a good start, just wait until you’re watching your garden thrive with wonderful plants, flowers, and wildlife. Not to mention, you’ve certainly done your bit for the environment!
Top Tip: Having the right compost bin will kick you off to a great start, do your research and look into companies that have ample selection of composters so you can select the best one for you. Unsure where to start? Check out Two Wests.
Growing Vegetables
The time to give your vegetable patch ample soil is in the autumn and wintertime for added feed and protection. When you’re planting your veggies, be sure to put a solid hand full into each hole you plant for your vegetables. Once your plants begin to grow and come above the surface of the soil to a small height you can then set around half an inch of your compost around each vegetable plant to act as a strong feed.
Top Tip: Growing vegetables in raised beds deter any potential harmful animals that could destroy your budding crops.
Image Credit: Two Wests
Growing Flowers
When Spring arrives, you should look to loosen the surface of your flower beds and incorporate about one inch of your compost to really protect your plants and their roots. This can also protect from freezing and ensure moisture is held inside the soil and roots. Your flowers will certainly thank you for giving them a perfect mixture of compost as this will ensure they have the best feed possible for growing into a fantastic colourful bloom.
Replenishing Soil
You should be adding a layer of compost to your planters at least twice a year. Believe it or not, the process of growing your plants, vegetables and flowers means the soil diminishes in quality and loses its nutrients. This is where your composting efforts come in handy, to give back the nutrients that are quickly lost in the soil for your budding crops.
Top Tip: Purchasing a composting accelerator can speed up the composting process!
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Reviving Lawn and Turf
When adding a new turf, you need to have an additional 3+ inches of your compost on top of your original base or if possible, you can seed directly onto your compost. This provides the best possible start for your pending turf and will look luscious and green when the grass gets growing.
If you’re looking to treat your existing turf, I would look to consider placing your compost over any bald spots for additional feed and protection. This alone won’t do the trick; you’ll need to re-seed the bald spots and water as and when needed.
Finally, you can look to raking some compost around your tree beds, plant it with your indoor house plants to give them a new leash of life and spread it around any flower arrangement for extra moisture when your flowers look like they need rejuvenating.
