Composting is one of the most rewarding and sustainable practices you can introduce into your gardening routine. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling garden, composting not only helps reduce household waste but also enriches your soil, boosts plant health, and supports local wildlife.
At Chessington Garden Centre, we believe great gardening starts with healthy soil—and compost is key to that. This friendly, expert guide will walk you through everything you need to know about composting at home.
What is Composting?
Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste—like food scraps, garden clippings, and paper—into nutrient-rich soil conditioner. With the help of air, moisture, and microorganisms, these materials break down over time, creating compost that can be used to improve your soil’s structure, drainage, and fertility.
Why Compost at Home?
🌱 Enrich Your Soil
Compost adds valuable nutrients to the soil, improving plant growth, increasing moisture retention, and enhancing the soil’s ability to support healthy root systems.
🌍 Reduce Waste
Roughly 30% of household waste can be composted. By turning kitchen and garden waste into compost, you’re keeping materials out of landfill and reducing your carbon footprint.
🐞 Support Biodiversity
Compost attracts beneficial insects and microorganisms that keep your garden’s ecosystem thriving. It’s a win-win for your plants and the environment.
Choosing the Right Compost Bin
There are plenty of compost bin options, and your choice depends on the space you have and how much waste you produce.
1. Traditional Compost Bins
These bins sit directly on the soil, allowing worms and microbes to enter from below. Great for medium to large gardens.
2. Tumbling Composters
Ideal for small gardens or patios, tumbling bins are enclosed and rotated to speed up decomposition. These are also less likely to attract pests.
3. Kitchen Compost Caddies
Perfect for collecting scraps indoors before transferring them to an outdoor bin. We stock a range of stylish, odour-resistant options in-store.
💡 Top Tip: Choose a bin with good ventilation and make sure it’s easily accessible for regular turning and adding waste.
What Can I Compost?
Getting the right balance of materials is key to good compost. We call this the greens and browns ratio:
✔ Greens (Nitrogen-rich)
-
Vegetable and fruit peelings
-
Coffee grounds and tea bags (plastic-free only!)
-
Fresh grass clippings
-
Plant trimmings
✔ Browns (Carbon-rich)
-
Cardboard (torn into small pieces)
-
Egg cartons
-
Straw and hay
-
Dry leaves
-
Paper towels (if chemical-free)
❌ Avoid Composting:
-
Meat, fish, and dairy (attract pests)
-
Cooked food
-
Glossy or coated paper
-
Pet waste
-
Diseased plants
How to Start Your Compost Heap
Step 1: Choose Your Spot
Pick a level, well-drained area that’s not in full sun all day. Partial shade helps maintain moisture without drying the pile out too quickly.
Step 2: Layer It Up
Start with a layer of coarse material like twigs or cardboard to aid airflow. Then alternate between greens and browns. The general rule: aim for 50/50.
Step 3: Keep It Moist and Aerated
A compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge—damp but not soggy. Turn your compost regularly to keep oxygen flowing and speed up the process.
How Long Does Compost Take?
Under the right conditions, you can get usable compost in as little as 6 to 12 weeks, though many gardeners leave it for 6–9 months to fully mature. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks dark, crumbly, and smells earthy—not rotten.
Common Composting Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Problem: Bad Smell
Cause: Too much green waste, not enough air.
Fix: Add browns like cardboard or straw and mix well.
Problem: Pile is Dry
Cause: Lack of moisture or very dry weather.
Fix: Add a splash of water and mix. You can also cover it with a lid or tarp.
Problem: Too Wet and Slimy
Cause: Excess moisture and poor drainage.
Fix: Add more dry browns and fork through to aerate.
Using Your Finished Compost
Once your compost is ready, use it to:
-
Mulch flower beds
-
Top dress your lawn
-
Enrich vegetable patches and raised beds
-
Improve potting soil for containers and baskets
You can also sieve it if you want a finer texture for seed sowing or delicate plants.
Composting All Year Round
Yes, you can compost throughout the year—even in winter. While the decomposition slows down in cold weather, you can still add materials and turn the heap occasionally. Wrapping or insulating your bin can help retain heat and maintain microbial activity.
Final Thoughts from Our Experts
Composting is easy, cost-effective, and incredibly beneficial for your garden and the planet. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to improve your technique, our team at Chessington Garden Centre is here to help.
Pop into the centre to see our range of compost bins, caddies, and tools—or chat with one of our gardening experts for personalised advice.
Visit Us or Shop Online
We stock everything you need to get started with composting—from compost bins and garden tools to soil improvers and organic fertilisers.
