Allotment - the Where, When, Why and How - Compost FAQ

What is Compost?

It's a material that looks like rich, dark soil and has a pleasant texture and smell, made from recycled kitchen and garden waste - it can be used to feed and condition the soil. You can buy it, or make your own for free.

How difficult is it to make?

Not difficult at all - in fact, composting happens anyway, as nature's way of keeping our planet clean all we do when we make it ourselves in intensify and speed up the process to give our allotment or garden the benefit of a richer and faster decomposition of plant material.

How much labour and time is required?

Making compost can be as easy as putting a few weeds and vegetable scraps onto a compost heap - or you can put a lot of effort into it, using accelerators, tumblers etc. It's entirely your choice. Depending on the time of year and the ingredients, compost can be ready for use in as little as six to eight weeks, or it can take a year or more. In general, the more effort you put in, the quicker you will get compost.

Will a compost heap breed pests and diseases?

Compost is made by a host of small and microscopic creatures. These are not pests and will not overrun your garden. Rats and mice may visit a compost heap if they are already present in the area but are not drawn to the heap from very far away, because decomposing vegetable matter doesn't thrill them as a food. Of course if you put bread or other foods in your heap they may travel from much further. Basic hygiene rules should be followed when handling compost - keep cuts covered, wash hands before eating and ensure your anti-tetanus protection is kept up to date.

Compost allotment photograph by joi used under a creative commons attribution licence