How to make your own compost

Compost not only delivers a nutrition boost to your garden that stimulates growth, but it is also an eco-friendly way of getting rid of food waste.

Now is the perfect time to add compost to your plants, with it increasing moisture retention - meaning everything is less likely to go thirsty over the hot months.

Repairing contaminating soil and improving its overall structure is another benefit of composting, improving the growth and quality of your plants as a result.

The following garden DIY tips will help you make the perfect compost this summer.

Choosing the right bin or storage

There are a number of specifically designed bins on the market for compost, but you can also just build a heap on the ground and cover it. Whatever you decide to go with, it is important to keep in mind that the compost needs air to thrive.

Base layer      
                                                                    
Before you start, you need a good layer for your compost - twiggy materials and heavy clay soil are ideal. To improve the drainage, you may also want to include some grit.

Piling

Once you have the base layer completed, you are ready to start piling all your waste on - this includes all green materials, cardboards, cork, egg shells, tea bags and leaves. Try to keep it an even mix where possible for the best compost.