‘Compost King’ gardener uses eyebrow-raising FREE hack to make compost in ‘just one month’.
COMPOST King author Mick Poultney reckons he can create compost in a month - with the help of a very unusual hack.
So to celebrate National Compost Week, Sun Gardening spoke to the 72-year-old about how he managed to turn it around in such a short space of time.
National Compost Week - which ends on Sunday - encourages you to go out and turn your food waste into wonder - saving your soil and supporting local ecosystems.
MICK'S METHOD
Ex-Navy man Mick, 72, from Colley Gate, West Midlands, said: "I've been making compost for 40 odd years.
"Through trial and error, I can now get homemade compost ready to use as a growing medium within a month.
"One of the best things to indicate it's going well is worms - if I see a worm, I'm happy and so are they.
GARDENING
"And Nitrogen is an excellent activator for your compost. One form of nitrogen is urine!
"If I'm on the plot and need a piddle, the compost gets it!
"It's also a good deterrent against foxes, badgers, cats and the like. I spread it on the edge of my pathways on the plot."
"I also ask the charity shops to save me their paperback books - the older the better as the pages have started to break down. This can be shredded to go in the compost.
"Manure is the best activator you can get, plus it's where you will get your worms from. Just add it to your bin."
MICK'S TOP TIPS
- The more natural ingredients you can add the better
- Use chopped-up kitchen waste along with shredded paper, nothing glossy or coloured.
- Topsoil is full of nutrients & organic matter - molehills are superb.
- Add manure as it’s where you get your worms from.
- Mix a handful of each into a plastic bag bag and upend several times.
- Empty the bag into a Blackwell 330lt plastic compost bin. Cover in black plastic to absorb the sunlight.
- Level and water if needed. Put carpet layers on top. Let the worms do their work.
- If you need compost, scrape off the top 4 inches, take what you need, and replace the scraped layer.
Mick's book The Compost King; Compost ready to use within a month, is available to buy here.
Make waste into wonder
National Compost Week UK - March 11 to March 17 - encourages you to:
- Start Composting: Set up a compost bin in your garden or backyard and begin adding appropriate waste.
- Attend Workshops: Many communities host workshops or events during this week, offering guidance on effective composting techniques.
- Spread the Word: Educate friends, family, and neighbours about the benefits of composting.
- Support Green Initiatives: Consider supporting local organizations or projects that champion composting and other sustainable practices.