Simple Guide to Composting | How to Make Compost When You're New to Composting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2024
- This is a no-fuss video which I made to show you how to get started with your first ever compost bin. Composting is easy and hopefully this video will show you how simple it is to start filling up a compost bin and have compost ready next year to grow in. There will be more videos in the future about composting in more detail too. This is part of my book week celebration of the launch of Veg in One Bed: amzn.to/2BDJiQz
List of compostable materials to use.
Greens:
Horse and cow manure
Rabbit and Guinea Pig droppings
Used coffee ground
Kitchen vegetable scraps
Garden weeds which haven't flowered
Grass clippings
Spent brewery grains
Browns:
Autumn leaves
Shredded paper
Newspaper and cardboard
Dried grass
Don't use:
Dairy, meat or any fatty products
Dog or Cat manure
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"It´s really hard to make a mistake". Thanks for that. You make me feel confident to start making mine.
Unfortunately this is not correct, it is all to easy to make a mistake. In fact, it is almost impossible not to make mistakes. A compost pile in an urban setting can very easily become a hazard with vermin, flies and terrible smells. The products of a household are almost all nitrates. Compost needs ideally, five times the volume of carbon to nitrogen. So, one barrow full of grass clippings would require no less than four barrows of dry unrotted leaves. More grass clippings could be used, but they are not necessary. If you seek high carbon ratios, you get much more compost without hazards. For serious continuous feed heaps, the storage of as many forms of dry carbon as possible is the key consideration for excellent compost. High carbon heaps get very hot and kill pathogens, they kill weeds and seeds, and they can take a continuous flow of scraps and putrescibles without smells or vermin. I do not use bins, but my heap is always covered with shadecloth to deter animals and birds as well as wind and sun.
I keep covered heaps of hay, woodchips, sawdust, and leaves, and at present I have a large trailer load of shredded bamboo also. This dry carbon with all of the different textures are very welcome all year around but particularly in the winter and in wet weather. So, a good composter will be constantly collecting carbon where ever it may be, then keeping a large stock on hand at all times, There are usually many public places that benefit from leaf removal and disposal of wood chips, and many mills are happy for people to take sawdust away. Gutters on roofs and roadsides get choked with leaves, there are many sources of carbon such as every bit of what gets burned in a forest fire.
@@kenbellchambers4577 thanks for the detailed write up. If you dry grass clippings, does it the count as dry carbon?
@@woutmoerman711 Yes, dry grass clippings are considered to be carboniferous. It is a very good practice to get sawdust. (from actual wood, not manufactured wood sheets like 'pine-board', as they have chemicals which may be harmful), and/or wood chips to soak up decomposing material. Pine needles are excellent when dry as a carbon source that both last longer than dried clippings, but provide better structural properties to the pile. Pine needles are not, however very absorbent, and you need both structure and absorbency if you are using putrescibles in the heap. Sawdust is absolutely excellent.
@@kenbellchambers4577 nice info thanks. Was wondering could you just use dry grass leaves and fresh cut grass. And if so would this be less appealing to rats and such
@@KtheMighty Diversity is one of the key elements of good compost. A piece of shade cloth will prevent most predators or scavengers. A household is like a nitrate factory, so bringing in extra carbon, sawdust is the best, is almost essential. Dry sawdust absorbs liquids and suppresses odours.
When we lived in Scotland, it took 18 months to make compost. So damp up there. :-) I learned from Organic Gardening book from the 1940's to add some dirt. It introduces the micro-organisms that break down the matter much faster. The formula was 1" of soil after about 2-feet of green and brown matter. Works great! Thanks for the great vids.
Even adding a bag of store bought soil...that speeds it up dramatically
Yes the micro organisms are so important in composting…I have millions of worms that i raise for fertilizer for my garden (LOTS of microorganisms!) and also to teach others how to care for them :) Worms are the secret to any great garden ;)
I collected horse droppings - I always have a bucket & shovel in my car .... 😉
I live in Scotland and it doesn't need to take that long! Layering properly is key!
Feed the soil. The soil will feed the plants. Compost is a must.
A great place to start is a book on soil science. You'll never call it dirt again. "Teaming with Microbes" was a good one.
I'm studying that book at the moment :)
Dan Thomas waste decomposition black enrich!
I'm on a bit of an anti 'dirt' Crusade. Earth, earth, earth ! [Thanks for the tip; I'll look into this book]
Note: ONLY vegetable matter. Meat and fats/creams and oils will attract vermin, wasps etc.
For people that live in warmer climates you can get away with burying animal waste as the microbeasties are so much more active.
We know
@anny791 I watched his vid it a very informative video and impressive
THANKS DUDE
Unless you use the compost technique called bokashi
I just started my compost a month ago and this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
Best starter composting video I've seen that clearly explains how to start it. Thank you very much!
Wow its like watching Chris Hemsworth gardening. Great video.
They do resemble.
Great value Chris Hemsworth maybe
I could listen to him saying "compost" forever.
Dorothy Potter Spanish I’m glad I’m not the only one 😂🤩🤪🥰
compost the compost !!
Compost is moist
😂😂😂
Com-PAWst
I’ve always enjoyed having my compost strategically placed (maybe on the way in/out) so that it gets the attention it deserves. Better soil-better food, and compost is the best way to achieve this. Great video Huw, keep up the great work.
Mine is a few paces from my kitchen door. I visit it several times a day to make deposits. I call it my 'rhino', because it is alive! My heaps usually reach around four tonnes. I have four different forms of carbon at hand at all times to cover the new additions. At the moment I am using rip-sawed sawdust, which is stringy, chipped bamboo, dried forest leaves and other flammables from the forest, which are chipped or run through an electric chaff cutter, and usually wood chips also, which can be picked up for free in my area,
I absolutely love him. What a beautiful country and very down to earth personality. Thank you!!
This is great Huw. You’ve reaffirmed what I’m doing right now. I have 3-4 co-workers who I’ve given buckets to for food scraps. I get about 4 buckets full each week. I also collect coffee grounds and cardboard boxes at the office. It’s amazing how much gets tossed out that can be used for good. Love your channel and can’t wait to get your book!
This is great. I have a small garden on my apartment balcony. I have a tiny bag for compost and those paper shreddings work for killing bad smells so my wife lets me keep it.
Funny you should say , "Imagine a compost bin as being a Lasagne" Huw.
Most of the Lasagne's I've eaten lately have reminded me more of a compost bin............must change my supermarket!
make it yourself. Homemade lasagna is the bomb. Especially if you can source Italian ingredients
🤣🤣🤣
I hate lasagna but love the concept for my garden
Have been binge watching your videos and have ended up back here. Thank you for making my garden what it is and keeping me motivated :)
You’ve helped me so much with making compost. Thank you so much for all your invaluable advice! I wasn’t putting enough newspapers etc in. Hopefully it will be a lot faster now :) 🏴 👩🏼🌾
A composting method for one and all, easy & simple, assisting nature to do her work. Covers all the ingredients one can use in composting. Bravo!
Finally a great video of HOW TO START a compost pile.
Thank you for this simple easy to understand video!! Excited to get composting CORRECTLY. I’ve just been throwing kitchen scraps in a pile in my backyard 😂
Thank you so much! This is by far the simplest most direct instructions to do some compost I have ever seen!
Like your Ideas about composting! Worms might help, but are not needed. One must never forget to turn the compost. Starting/Middle and Finished compost. If you are lazy, LIKE me, It still works!!
I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the composting process but what you said makes it so much easier. Thanks
I’ve got a sopping wet mess of a compost in my backyard because all I dump in there is greens (and some browns now and then). Your simple explanation of the ratio 1 greens: 2 browns will save my compost. I’ll have to move my bin to a corner of my backyard, grab tons of browns (cardboard and shredded paper) from work and redo my lasagna. THANKS A TON for making this clear. ❤️
I green and two browns is on the low side.Try to get a trailer load of sawdust or wood chips, or if not these things at least a lot of leaves and dry grass. proper C/N ratios are around 30 to 1.
Ken Bellchambers Thank you! I am able to get saw dust from Home Depot. Still working on my compost 😅 but I need it more now especially now that I’ve actually started a little garden. ☺️
Learned alot again! 🙃 Need to take a piss on my compost..
Striping my work on what ever "browns" I can lay my hands on and building a stach of shreded paper and cardboard for future use.
Bro I know everything I need to know to start composting in 10 minutes, and that’s F’ing incredible man.
This is the simplest Composting Video i've seen!
Now I can put my Juicing greens to good use.
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Thank you so much! I just got a composted today I’ve watched so many vids on it and you are the only one who makes sense to a newbie thanks!
Great video mate! So simple really! None of the fuss others mention! And I already have a compost bin. Have done for a few years but the ratio of 2 to 1 green and brown is the bit of advice I shall take from this 👍 cheers mate.
Oh my goodness! Thank you thank you! I've watched "loads" of videos (as you on that side of the pond would say;)) on composting, and you're the first one who makes it understandable. No one else ever says whether their suggested magic ratio is according to mass or weight... Kinda important! Thank you!
I am actually planning making a composting bin right now. So far just been piling stuff up which isn't optimal or attractive. So I'm going to build a 3 phase (bin) 12'x4'x4' composting bin. I have some lumbar from the Douglas First trees we cut and milled so should be decent when I'm done. Looking forward to some great outcomes!
We managed to produce very fast composting last summer in mid Wales thanks to the hot July (2018), lots of local horse muck, sheep wool insulation (on the top only) and good sized 1 metre by 1 metre by 1 metre heaps contained in pallets walls. We even achieved really high temperatures right into the Autumn. Yes, we kept on mixing and turning but this is labour intensive. Bigger heaps are best as they retain heat but need to be aerated a lot. Bigger heaps (1m+ cubed) may be simply too big for a small garden or where certain materials are scarce.
I think Huw's perspective on more anaerobic methods (slow but sure) should suit most of us fine in the UK. Now that the unused heaps have cooled down we have an abundance of worms working away as an added bonus. Which pleases the chicken no end!
It was a happy day in my little garden. My compost went into the beds. It was beautiful stuff. Thank you Huw!
My pleasure Norma! So glad to hear it ☺️
just bought my first gardening book and it is yours. Your so helpful and pleasant . Waiting on getting my wee allotment 1-2 years waiting list. But going to try little projects in pots and raised beds . Grow your own food organic is the best
Wow thank you very much Marc! Good luck with getting your allotment! :)
Wow! Your garden is like a dream place for me, I am so interested in gardening but have no space to plant them.
Gonna start my compost in the winter so I’ll have good soil in the spring for the garden I’m working on :)
That pallet build could even be modified to hold tools and such. Appreciate the video, super simple!
Never knew how great gardening could be. Thanks for the tip with the 2:1 ratio.
Very well explained! Thank you. Can’t wait to have a go at making our own compost 😊
Best, most informative composting TH-cam yet! Thanks so much.
Wow thank you so much! I am so glad it's helpful
Nice clear explanation of composting. Thanks Huw!
Fantastic video and great tips. Learned a lot and pushing to get great compost. We managed to get some superb compost this year after trial errors and following your tips. Thank you.
Great video. I have started a worm bin to use up all those scraps
can a worm poo be enough compost on its own?
@@bootangy I'd mix a little compost in with it if your growing things in it
@@spencersnursery1547 ty
99% of my hedge trimming and grass collections are composted, I try and compost as much as possible. great for clients gardens, especially if you do a lot of weeding
I was wondering about How to start one. Great timing.
I do love composting, though my own pallet bins got neglected last year due to being away working on Show Gardens. Which meant I couldn't top them up or turn them as frequently which slowed down my compost significantly. I've restarted it though. The 2 to 1 bucket tip is really useful for new gardeners Huw who often struggle with composting ratios! Keep up the great vids! Lee Garden Ninja
Clear and concise video, well presented.Thank you very much for your presentation.
Free, simple and most effective way to make composting is to dig 2 or 3 small pits and throw kitchen waste and cover with soil or leaves or some cover. Within 2-3 weeks, composting will be done by earthworms. We can use the compost pits in rotation, which gives enough time for composting.
Thank you for simplifying all of this! Appreciate you!❣🥂❣
Love to compost...it is the key to a healthy garden
Good vid. You do well at explaining how to do stuff. I have pallet compost bins and the plastic ones. My 3 plastic composers are full of worms, I can pull out handfuls at a time. Best thing to do when having an allotment is look for free resources.
Thank you for making this process less daunting! I think I might be able to do 🙂
Thanks for showing how simply it is to set up a compost bin, and good luck for tomorrow, will defo be watching
This may be the best video on composting I have seen so far, Thank You
I've looked through literally dozens of videos about composting before I realized "this isn't for me" Then I came across you. I think it's your accent. This video is now my composting bible
I have got the shadiest neighborhood here mate...just thugs and frauds living. Perfect for a compost bin.😁
How diverse is it
😂😂😂
😅😅
@@algonzalez6853 From the sound of it: Very!
@@ikigai47 i don't know if thats racist but it don't feel right
Add a couple dozen of red worms, food scraps, and water each layer. Then cover...boom.
Stacy McNew dont forget wood shavings or ash!
@@LmaoMoni how about you kiss my ash
David Mason rude
@@LmaoMoni what is?
Worms come all by themselves if your compost is decently made.
This is one of the best, if not the best compost video. Thank You! Mine is covered in snow right now. We'll see what it looks like soon I hope.
Thanks for making this video! Looking to build a compost bin as my next DIY project 😄👍
Greetings from the gulf coast of Mississippi! I am new to gardening and am also starting to compost. Thank you very much for taking the time to teach your methods and techniques. I hit subscribe and am looking forward to your posts.
Update, i have your book, its brilliant and so worth it. Well done Huw.Great video. Not long back from my allotment. Your book has been put away for me and my son is collecting it. Great price too, one bed being kept aside for your veg in one bed idea. Cant wait to start reading it tonight. Thanks Huw.
Great idea for use those raised beds slots when changing your beds to something else
Thank you - very simple & sweet - sensibly explained. Ushta-te!!
Best starter video for composting that I've seen so far. Thanks!
Thank you so much Ashley that's so kind of you! :)
Huw Richards - Grow Food Organically what happens if slugs or others type of insect makes home in compost in 12 months then how we remove them or is it ok
Ultimately if I am correct, WORMS actually are the most important ingredient in any compost bin. I use a simple method from the early 1900's where-by after the compost has settled, say a solid layer, or at least sunk back lower in the bin or settle to about 6" to 8" thick which could be after a week or so, but anytime really when you want to bring worms higher in the bin so they can feed below the soil level without light, depending on the size of the bin , add one half to one bucket full of garden soil on the top of the compost, spreading it out evenly over the surface and it should be noted at no time does this method needs turning or interfered with in any way, not until it is ready to use. Always cover the bin top as worms will not come anywhere near the surface if there is sunlight, they hate it. The idea of the soil covering is to try and bring the worms as close as possible to the top of the compost to eat, after all, compost which has been properly made is just a bin full of worm castings, which I have found works far far better when placed in a suitable container filled with water, I find this the best way to apply pure compost castings to my plants as it is highly concentrated with no burning after thinning it down with water, plants love it splashed around the plants when a good gardener senses they need some help. I always give my compost bin a drink of water as well during composting, about 1 litre/one and a half pints all over the surface and close the lid or cover the bin from light. I'm very happy with the results of I get from my bin. Great show Huw.
I put brambles through a compost shredder and simply threw the resulting mass into my compost heap. The temperature went up like a rocket...
Hedge clippings treated similarly give a good hot compost too...
just put a reservation on your book. Will be released in the Netherlands half way March. Looking forward to it!
I feel like I’m watching an episode of Bear Grylls😂 thanks for simplifying this process! Im starting my pile today!
Just orderd your book cannot wait for it to turn up looks good
Awhh how fantastic!! Thank you so much! :D
The plastic compost example, almost looked like a prototype Dalek, from the earlier episodes of the first Doctor. HA. Good video.
Funnily enough, my parents bought one of these when I was growing up and we called it Derek the Dalek. After dinner my brother and I took it in turns to "feed" Derek our food scraps.
You gave the exact information that I was looking for
Thanks am newbie to composting and this has just made it so easy, thanks so much for a great video
My absolute pleasure!!!
@@HuwRichards does the same lasagne technique work in one of those black plastic compost bins? Or are you better with the open wooden one?
I like your garden set up, I've watched your videos since you started and kind of watched you grow up In away.......
Awhh thank you so much Cathy! :)
Thank you for your no nonsense video.
Kitchen garden like this? Kitchen? Dude your garden is massive!
I found by accident Pallet Collars that are perfect for compost bins, stack them up, also ideal for raised beds. I went and bought 30!! No more buying timber, cutting, squaring, screws nails. 😂😂😂😂
Thanks, Huw. Super-helpful!
good day to you my gardening friend, excellent video today Huw !! 👨🌾🌱💚👌🎥
You are great Huw ! Very useful video on composting ... I am doing this here in my Italian garden ... thank you!
Water also is a must for the compost and worms of course.
Brilliant video Huw, do you know the make of the compost bin you put together?
Thanks Huw, simplified & just what I was looking for. How about ash from a fire? 1. is it good in compost & if so how much do I add to the 1 bucket of green & 2 bucket of brown ratio?
Very simple explanation. Love it. Thx a Lot
Super Thanks to you Huw Richard,s from 🇨🇦👍🏼💚👋😇
My right ear loved this.
I like your method of compost making thanks for sharing
Do you ever give a tour of your Gardens? I am planning a couple of trips from America to Wales this coming summer and would love to see where your Videos are produced and in person views.
Greetings from your US brother, thank you! 🖐
Gosh ♥️♥️I love this man it's inspired me a lot to do gardening.
Wales looks gorgeous
I loved this video, it’s so informative and entertaining, thank you!
Thanks for that, you make so much sense especially about the mix.
Hello great advice as always. Thank you from Devon.
Great video, started my first compost the other day!
Good work done
Great video Huw, congratulations on the book. I will definitely be purchasing a copy!
Nice easy video. Not too intimidating, while being really informative. Great info, and thank you for making the list of green and brown materials! It helps a ton!
Thanks for the easy advice! Here in California they just enacted a new gradual law to take affect that mandates all persons and businesses to start composting. I always like the idea and now I have no choice.. hahaha
Very good Huw that was very informative and helpful.
At least down here, shopping malls actually have two dumpsters. When I worked there we were told to put the trash in one dumpster and the cardboard In another. And I've seen employees from other stores doing the same. I've worked at 3 shoe stores. Usually a truck comes twice a week. Actually, vitamin shops seem to have constant cardboard.
Thank you so much Huw, you're a complete legend :)
You made me want to compost, great video!