Cooking Up Compost: How we're feeding our no dig beds for free!

In my last blog post, I shared how we transformed our weed-covered allotment using the no dig method, using cardboard, lots of compost, and raised beds designed for ease of use. But compost can be expensive, and after that first big outlay, we knew we wanted to start producing our own.

Enter: the compost heap(s)!

We now have three compost heaps, all made from free pallets we gathered locally which is a brilliant, low-cost way to get started. We’ve covered them with tarpaulins to keep the contents warm and damp, and we turn them regularly to keep everything breaking down evenly. 

Composting is basically nature’s way of recycling — and it's powered by decomposers like bacteria and fungi. As a Biology teacher, I know that the key to decomposition is making sure bacteria have the right conditions for their enzymes, to make breakdown of organic matter as efficient as possible. I use the mnemonic MOW which stands for moisture, oxygen and warmth, to teach students about these conditions.

Using pallets helps improve air circulation so that air can freely flow into the heap helping the aerobic bacteria thrive with plenty of oxygen and making sure the rates of decompostition remain high. Regular turning also allows additional oxygen into the organic waste and stops the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria which can create a smelly odour! With moisture (but not too much), and warmth (which the tarp helps trap), the decomposers turn waste into beautiful, crumbly compost. 

One of the best additions we’ve made is horse manure, which we collected ourselves (there are often people giving it away locally — just check Facebook or noticeboards). It’s full of nutrients, and when it’s mixed with straw bedding, it adds both nitrogen and carbon. And it actually doesn't smell too bad either!

If it’s fresh, it’s considered more of a green material. It does get hot while it breaks down, which helps kill weed seeds and any pathogens — but we let it sit in the heap for a few months before using it, just to be safe.

waste into nourishment for the next growing season.