Whether you are an experienced gardener or new to the world of horticulture, you should never underestimate the power of compost.
Finding the right fertiliser for your garden can be a fine art. Not only do you need to think about the type of soil you are dealing with, but also the seasons and weather.
With the winter months just around the corner, here are some tips to get your garden looking its best with winter compost.
Why does composting matter in winter?
As winter encroaches, the temperatures start to drop. This means that natural decomposition starts to slow down, which affects the amount of naturally occurring nutrients in your soil. Adding the right compost helps to boost the nutrients available to your plants, keeping them healthy and able to survive the winter.
Cold weather also unsettles the amount of moisture retained in the soil. It can either make the soil really dry or really waterlogged. A layer of compost will help to keep the right amount of moisture in, helping your foliage to thrive.
Sustainable composting
There are many ways to make compost, some of which aren’t environmentally friendly. Peat has commonly been used in compost, but the extraction of the organic matter destroys an already fragile ecosystem and releases stored carbon dioxide.
To focus on your environmental impact, focus on peat alternatives such as wood fibre, coir or composted bark.
Practical tips
If you have sandy soil, it is best to apply your compost in late winter. For all other types, you would be best to add it in the autumn. This gives your compost time to work before it is slowed down by the cold weather.
As the wet weather batters the nation, be aware that any soluble nutrients may be washed away before they have a chance to be absorbed by the plant roots. This is why it is important to plan your composting schedule before the rainy seasons. One way to help protect against nutrient leaching is to mix your compost with some soil.
DIY composting
Buying compost for your garden is often the easiest solution, as you can be assured of quality and quantity. It also means you can fine-tune your compost to your garden’s needs a lot quicker and with less effort.
For some gardeners, though, the time and effort put into making your own compost is worth it. If you are in the composting game, be sure to insulate your compost heap or bin. This helps to speed up decomposition, meaning your compost is usable sooner.
Getting the right waste ratio is key. It is recommended that around 25% should be made of green materials such as vegetable peelings and garden trimmings. The remaining 75% is for brown materials, or dry woody waste. Torn-up paper and cardboard are great too. This ratio strikes the right balance between nitrogen- and carbon-rich materials.
