How do I start a compost heap in South Africa?
Start with small branches and twigs to create ventilation at the bottom of the pile then add garden and household waste – alternate layers of green (grass clippings, household waste) with brown (dry leaves, twigs, newspaper). Use more brown than green waste to prevent your compost from becoming wet and smelly.
What is the best location for a backyard composter?
Ideally site your compost bin in a reasonably sunny spot on bare soil. The reason you should site your bin on soil is that it makes it very easy for beneficial microbes and insects to gain access to the rotting material. It also allows for better aeration and drainage, both important to successful composting.
Can I have a compost bin in a small garden?
A plastic compost bin is ideal for a small space. The plastic sides and lid retain moisture and heat to encourage rapid decomposition.
Does Pick n Pay sell compost?
This Garden Pro Compost Potting Soil Lawn Dressing is now on sale at Pick n Pay. Purchase Garden Pro Compost Potting Soil Lawn Dressing online via Pick n Pay website or buy it for the best available price at a store near you.
What is the difference between fertilizer and compost?
The simplest way to distinguish between compost and fertilizer is to remember this: Compost feeds the soil and fertilizer feeds the plants. Fertilizer adds to the soil’s nutrient supply, but instead of feeding the soil food web, the ingredients in fertilizers are intended to meet the needs of fast-growing plants.
Can you put weeds in compost bin?
Yes. As far as composting goes, weeds aren’t any more difficult to compost than other plants so they shouldn’t be wasted. If you are following general weed advice and removing them whilst they are young, the weeds will breakdown and make excellent compost quickly.
Do compost bins smell?
A properly balanced compost pile should not smell bad. Compost should smell like dirt and if it does not, there is something wrong and your compost pile is not properly heating up and breaking down the organic material. There is one exception to this rule and that is if you are composting manure in your compost pile.
How do I keep snakes out of my compost pile?
One of the easiest deterrents is ammonia, so we recommend spraying it around your yard or leaving ammonia-soaked towels outside overnight. Another easy to keep snakes away is to lay down sharp, jagged mulch so they can’t enter your garden.
