Best Composting Recipes

I love the idea of making use of my waste, and composting is the most obvious and easy way to accomplish this, especially for a gardener.

While the most common compost materials for most of us are kitchen and garden waste, with perhaps the occasional bag of well-seasoned manure from a horsey friend, there are some other interesting options that you might not have considered. Here are a few favourite ‘compost recipes’ for the more adventurous composter to try out!

Using Garden Waste for Compost

Leaf mould

Fallen leaves are best kept separate from other garden stuff as they can take longer to break. If you have the space then make a pile and leave it (this can take 2/3 years so best for those who have plenty of room).

Woody waste

The results of a good hedge or tree pruning session – woody waste is another one which can take longer to break down. Strip and break it down as much as you can and make a good pile. Stamping it down from time to time and adding weeds and earth clods will speed up the process slightly.

Kitchen waste and grass clippings with waste paper and cardboard

The easiest compost materials for most of us, as these are the things we are most likely to have access to. A good mix of general kitchen waste (vegetable peelings and leftover food) with paper and card and grass clippings make a decent and balance compost with minimal effort.

If you’re efficient with your food then just grass clippings and paper/card/newspapers are also a good mix – layer them and leave for a faster and less ‘soggy’ compost than some others.

Human Waste or ‘Poo Compost’

Four easy compost recipes for most of us – but don’t pretend you haven’t been wondering about the ‘other types’. Human waste can also make great compost but might not be for everyone, and compost toilets are a whole different article! But, if you’re interested, I did some research and came upon the following recipes.

Urine with card or straw is great source of several garden-friendly nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and others).

Poo and sawdust. Hmmm.

Perhaps, if you don’t fancy making your own, you might ask nicely at a local riding stables…