Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I bag up the compost from my bin until needed?

  The compost will survive being bagged up and left until you are ready to use it on the garden. Leave a little of the old material in the bottom of the compost bin as it contains all the useful micr... read on

• Rats have been inside my compost bin. Is this compost safe to use on my garden?

  The compost will be fine to use, although - just as a precaution - it would be advisable to wear gloves when you're handling it.  read on

• I have a compost bin which is almost full. I am moving house and would like to take this with me. Who do I contact?

  We would recommend that you contact your local council's waste and recycling service who will be able to offer you answers on the local services available.  read on

• Can you sterilse the compost before use?

  Try this simple method to sterilise your compost: in a conventional oven, place moist, not wet, soil in a shallow tray in a layer about 10cm deep. Cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 8... read on

• Can I plant directly into homemade compost ?

  As homemade compost is made from recycled kitchen and garden waste, although very nutritious, it is not suitable for growing seeds or bringing on young plants and needs to be mixed with other mater... read on

• Can I replace sharp sand with builders sand for potting mixes?

  Builders sand is unsuitable for growing plants. You will find sharp sand (used to make concrete) or horticultural sand widely available from garden centres, DIY stores or builders merchants. read on

• Can I use compost as a mulch?

  Compost makes an ideal mulch but because compost can act like a fertiliser, it could potentially scorch and damage some soft stemmed plants and leaves so use on a test area first. read on

• When is it adviseable to put compost down, autumn or spring?

  Ideally it would be better to wait until the spring.  If you spread the compost in the autumn then some of the nutrients will be washed out of the compost.  As plants will be growing more actively ... read on

• When making compost for potted plants, you advise two parts sterilised soil or loam. Where do I get this?

  Loam and soil can both be purchased from garden centres. Alternatively, you can buy sand and use soil from your garden in the mix. This will reduce the acidity of the compost and create a nice ligh... read on

• Can I use the liquid drained from my rotating compost bin as a liquid feed? If so, what dilution method should I use?

  The liquid is a by-product of composting, known as leachate,  and will contain soluble nutrients which may be beneficial to plants.  The dilution rate is 1:10 (1 part leachate to 10 parts water) a... read on