The Importance of Compost

Composting is at the heart of organic gardening, providing a natural, sustainable way to nourish plants while improving soil health. By recycling organic waste—such as kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and leaves—composting reduces waste and returns valuable nutrients to the soil. This eco-friendly practice enhances soil structure, boosts microbial activity, and increases its ability to retain moisture, creating a fertile foundation for plants to thrive.

However, while compost is a cornerstone of organic growing, it may not always provide all the nutrients plants need during critical growth stages. This is where GARDEN GOLD liquid organic fertilisers serve as an excellent complement. Products made from natural ingredients like seaweed extract, amino acids, and humic/fulvic acids provide a concentrated boost of essential nutrients and biostimulants. These liquid fertilisers can be applied directly to the soil or as foliar sprays, delivering immediate benefits to plants.

The combination of compost and liquid organic fertilisers offers a holistic approach to plant care. Compost builds long-term soil health, while liquid fertilisers address specific nutrient deficiencies and support rapid growth, flowering, or fruiting. Together, they create a balanced nutrient ecosystem that fosters resilient plants, vibrant gardens, and sustainable growing practices.

Compost Accelerators

Compost accelerators are additives designed to speed up the decomposition process in compost piles. They contain a blend of enzymes and nitrogen-rich ingredients that enhance microbial activity, helping organic materials break down more efficiently. These accelerators are particularly useful for jumpstarting new compost piles or boosting slow decomposition in colder weather or carbon-heavy mixtures.

To speed up your compost pile, use any of GARDEN GOLD's products to act as a compost accelerator. Mix up a full-strength batch and sprinkle over the pile to keep it moist, but not wet.

Methods of Composting for Home and Garden

Composting is a versatile practice that can be adapted to suit different home and garden setups. Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small urban balcony, or an indoor space, there’s a composting method that can work for you. Here are some of the most common composting methods and how to get started:

1. Traditional Composting (Backyard Composting)

Ideal for homes with outdoor space, traditional composting involves creating a compost pile or using a bin to decompose organic waste over time.

How it Works:

Combine “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings) with “browns” (carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, cardboard, and straw). Maintain a balance of about 2-3 parts browns to 1 part greens.

Do not let the pile dry out completely. This would disrupt the breakdown of the material by bacteria and other organisms.

Turn the pile regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.

Benefits:

• Great for processing large amounts of garden and kitchen waste.
• Produces nutrient-rich compost for garden beds and landscaping.

2. Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)

Perfect for small spaces, vermicomposting uses worms—typically red wigglers—to break down organic material into nutrient-dense worm castings.

How it Works:

Set up a bin with bedding (shredded paper, coconut coir, or straw) and introduce worms. Feed them small amounts of organic waste (avoid citrus, meat, and dairy). Keep the bin moist and well-ventilated.

Benefits:

• Compact and odor-free, making it suitable for apartments.
• Produces highly potent compost (worm castings) for plants.

3. Bokashi Composting (Fermentation)

Bokashi is an anaerobic composting method that uses a special bran inoculated with beneficial microbes to ferment organic waste.

How it Works:

Layer food scraps with Bokashi bran in an airtight bucket. Once full, seal the bucket and let it ferment for 1-2 weeks. After fermentation, the waste can be buried in soil to complete decomposition.

Benefits:

• Processes all food waste, including meat and dairy.
• Fast and space-efficient.

4. Trench Composting

For those who prefer low-effort composting, trench composting involves burying organic waste directly in the garden.

How it Works:

Dig a trench or hole, add organic waste, and cover it with soil. Decomposition happens naturally underground over several months.

Benefits:

• No need for a compost bin or pile.
• Enriches the soil directly where plants will grow.

5. Hot Composting

Hot composting speeds up decomposition by maintaining a high internal temperature in the compost pile.

How it Works:

Create a large pile of greens and browns (minimum 1 x 1 meter in size). Turn the pile frequently to maintain aeration and monitor moisture levels. The high heat (54-71°C) kills weed seeds and pathogens.

Benefits:

• Produces compost in as little as 4-6 weeks.
• Ideal for those with larger garden waste volumes.

6. Indoor Composting

For urban gardeners, indoor composting systems, such as electric composters or small countertop bins, are great options.

How it Works:

Electric composters process waste quickly through heat and grinding, while manual indoor bins often use Bokashi or vermicomposting methods.

Benefits:

• Convenient and space-saving.
• Allows composting year-round, regardless of outdoor conditions.

7. Sheet Composting

Sheet composting involves spreading organic material directly onto the soil surface and letting it decompose naturally; also known as "chop and drop".

How it Works:

Layer organic matter, like grass clippings, leaves, or garden trimmings, across the soil. Over time, it breaks down, enriching the soil.

Benefits:

• Easy and labor-free.
• Acts as both compost and mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.

8. Compost Tumblers

Compost tumblers are enclosed bins designed to make turning and aerating compost easier.

How it Works:

Add greens and browns to the tumbler, then spin or turn the bin periodically to mix the contents and introduce oxygen.

Benefits:

• Speeds up decomposition compared to traditional piles.
• Mess-free and ideal for small gardens.

Choosing the Right Method

The best composting method depends on your available space, the volume of organic waste, and your gardening goals. For example, urban dwellers may find vermicomposting or Bokashi composting more practical, while those with large gardens can benefit from traditional or hot composting.

Regardless of the method, composting is an invaluable practice that reduces waste, enriches soil, and supports healthy, sustainable plant growth. Pair your composting efforts with GARDEN GOLD liquid organic fertilisers to ensure your plants receive all the nutrients they need for optimal growth and resilience.