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Late Summer/Early Autumn Composting Tips

Summer is such an important time for gardens. You have to make sure the grass doesn't get too dry, your plants and flowers aren't wilting and your garden is well looked after.

But the summer is also a time to prepare the garden for the approaching weather change in autumn and winter - so it's best to get as many nutrients into your plants and flowers as soon as possible to keep them strong through the approaching winter.

Flower Power

Add fresh compost to surrounding soil surface and a one-inch layer to help keep plants and flowers thriving through the colder months. Compost can also be added to potted plants and window boxed and should be worked into the top layer of existing soil. Give the compost a good sieve beforehand.

A Lawn Hot Summer

In order to repair summer's dry grass effect and create that rich green grass in your garden, it's not only important to regularly cut it but also to feed it. Your home-grown compost is ideal as a light and organic top dressing. The compost will sift down into the soil, improving it's structure and providing nutrients.

If you've re-seeded your lawn you can help to further nurture and protect your planting by laying down one to three inches of compost. A depth of five to eight inches is even better.

Pinch Back Perennials

Continue to pinch back all mid-summer perennials to keep them bushy and healthy and to stagger blooming times. If some of your perennials have turned brown or become tattered, cut them back and then give them some water to encourage new growth. Don't forget to pop the waste into your compost bin!

Blooming Bulbs

It is still not too late to plant summer blooming bulbs like Dahlias or Cannas. It's also not too late to plant quick-blooming summer seeds such as Sunflowers, Nasturtiums and Cosmos. Mix compost into the soil to give the bulbs extra nutrient support.

It's Not Too Late!

If you haven't actually got any compost to apply to your garden in summer, then this is the perfect time to begin, with the warm weather being essential for optimum composting conditions.

If you're inviting friends around for a barbeque or having a summer Sunday lunch with the family, then make sure you put all your compostable kitchen waste into your bin afterwards, along with your grass cuttings and prunings.

And don't stop once the winter starts - keep going - you'll be glad you did when next summer comes and you've got lots of lovely rich compost to apply to your garden.