Getting a good structured and nutrient rich soil is essential for healthy plant growth. And at the community garden we think that using your own compost to structure, enrich and mulch the soil is the best way to do it.

We have a multi-purpose composting area originally built for us by the Cambridge University Architecture students several years ago and it's still going strong.

A healthy general compost heap is made up of a wide variety of plant based garden (and kitchen) waste with a good mix of brown (carbon rich) and green (nitrogen rich) ingredients. Well rotted compost will contain the full spectrum of plant nutrients including the three main 'fertilizer' nutrients for growth: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Plus it will contain micro-nutrients and minerals that will usually be missing from commercial fertilizers.

We add a thick layer of our general compost to our vegetable growing areas before planting.

The thick layer of compost on top of the growing beds not only adds nutrients but it protects the soil and plant roots from moisture loss.

Your own garden compost (as opposed to shop bought compost or municipal waste soil improver) also contains lovely beneficial bacteria, fungi, other micro- organisms and essential creatures such as earthworms, millipedes and beetles who all help to break down waste and keep the soil live, healthy and structured.

Compost is very easy to make yourself if you follow a few simple rules such as:

Do add - Most vegetable waste; soft prunings and leaves; some ripped up cardboard; tea and coffee waste.

Don't add - Perennial weed roots; meat, fish or dairy waste; animal faeces; plastic or metal; too much hard prunings such as twigs; tree leaves.

We have additional disposal areas: A separate autumn leaf pile which breaks down a lot slower than most compost but makes fine leaf mould. Woody prunings and logs are separated for building, burning or wildlife habitats.

There are lots of other ways to recycle your garden/ kitchen waste into usable compost including wormeries, layering systems, liquid comfrey and nettle fertiliser.

For more information about Master Composter Training go to Garden Organic https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/master-composter-schemes

Happy Composting!