Composting benefits noted

Monday, August 10 2009 17:16:39 by Editor

The benefits of composting verses chemicals have been highlighted in the Times.

Tony Juniper wrote an article explaining that his runner beans had been growing "like mad" through the use of compost that contained vegetable peelings, chicken straw, grass cuttings and dead leaves.

"If their rate of growth is anything to go by, it seems kind of obvious that many of the chemicals we use to enhance plant growth are not really necessary," he wrote.

He urges people to consider composting as it can help reduce dependence on artificial fertilisers and cuts pollution.

The Royal Horticultural Society suggests that composting is one of the most environmentally-friendly ways of dealing with garden waste and works well as a soil improver and mulch provider.

It is advised that any compost should be made up of between 25 and 50 per cent green nitrogen-rich materials such as weeds, manure or kitchen waste, while the rest should be wood chippings, paper or cardboard.