A three-step plan for starting a compost heap

The garden team at Leith Hall have been hard at work recently implementing new methods of temperature monitoring at their composting facility in order to optimise the compost they produce. Maintaining the correct temperature in the compost ensures that beneficial bacteria can flourish, while other potentially harmful bacteria and viruses are killed off.

This work at Leith Hall supports a key objective within our gardens strategy, which is to measurably improve the sustainability of our garden operations. The gardening team are focusing on improving the compost yield using garden waste – this compost is then used to mulch the borders, returning nutrients to the garden. In addition, the team are implementing handmade biodegradable paper pots, to avoid adding to the huge quantity of plant pots sent to landfills each year. This work also supports the Trust’s objective to be carbon negative by 2031, as set out in our ten-year strategy Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone.

But composting activity needn’t just be the preserve of professional and specialist gardeners, like those at Leith Hall. Composting is an extremely accessible activity that anyone can start from their own home, and indeed many have done so. Throughout lockdown, gardening saw a huge boom in popularity as people had time to learn a new hobby.

Sarah Ramsay, Head Gardener at Leith Hall, has created a handy three-step plan to help everyone get started on their composting journey.

1. Build your base

Make use of any old pallets or pieces of wood to make a large container in a corner of your garden. Alternatively, if you don’t have sufficient space, you can use planks of wood. The important thing is taking those first steps towards reducing household waste.

Stand the container on bare soil, leaving a space at the bottom so that you can reach the finished compost. Then, all you need are some old pieces of wood, green household waste and woody material, such as twigs or small pruned branches, and you’re ready to start composting.

2. Feed it the right fuel

Feeding your compost heap is one of the most important steps in creating successful compost, as well as being a great way to use household waste.

When adding grass cuttings, remember to do this gradually or your heap may turn slimy.

Then, simply cover the heap with a lid or piece of old carpet to keep it warm. Never add meat, bones or other cooked food to your compost heap as this will attract vermin.

3. When to turn

Once you’re up and running with fuel added to your heap, turn it over with a garden fork occasionally, and mix it together. If it gets really dry, add a little bit of water. You’ll soon start to see the worms breaking it all down.

If you start now, your compost should be broken down by late summer/early autumn, ready to be used for mulching and ground cover.