Garden Organic in Gloucestershire

22/08/2026

If nothing is happening in your compost pile and the materials are not breaking down, this is a good indication that your compost is too dry and you don't have enough nitrogen rich 'green' materials in the mix. Try adding some fresh grass cuttings or some fruit and veg scraps from the kitchen and mix them in well to get the composting process going again. Comfrey leaves are also an excellent compost activator.

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21/08/2026

If you have an unpleasant smelling compost bin, this is probably because it has become anaerobic due to putting too many nitrogen rich 'greens' in and not enough carbon rich 'browns' and it does not have enough air. you can fix it by adding lots of 'browns' like dead or woody plant material, cardboard, shredded paper or sawdust and don't forget to mix it really well.

Keep following for more composting and food waste reduction tips from Garden Organic.

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15/08/2026

The ambient temperature can affect your compost bin so you might need to take this into consideration during particularly hot, dry spells. During warm weather the composting process will speed up and you will likely find the contents of your bin will break down very quickly. However, if it is very hot and dry it may quickly dry out if it is sat in the hot sun especially if you have an open heap or your compost bin does not have a lid on it. A shady spot is ideal for your compost bin during hot weather and if you find things are too dry and the process starts to slow, add more nitrogen rich 'green' materials or add some water during particularly hot dry spells. Don't forget to cover your heap or put a lid on your compost bin to help retain moisture.

Keep following for more composting and food waste reduction tips from Garden Organic.

For more on composting...
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14/08/2026

Your compost bin lid maintains the moisture levels of your compost by stopping the sun and wind from drying it out and also preventing the rain from getting in and making it too wet. If you have a homemade bin or a compost heap you could cover it with a piece of old 100% wool carpet or rug which will also help insulate its contents, however don't use synthetic carpets as they disintegrate over time and contaminate your compost.

Keep following for more composting and food waste reduction tips from Garden Organic.

For more on composting...
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12/08/2026

08/08/2026

The Swedish-designed Green Johanna is a more expensive choice at about £130, but a popular option due to it reaching higher composting temperatures and being a completely sealed bin, apart from the tiny air holes around the bottom of the sides and in the base itself, meaning you can add cooked food waste along with your garden waste as it gives greater protection from rats, but allow the important composting creatures like worms to get inside.

The higher temperatures mean that a well-managed Green Johanna can produce compost in about four to six months.

For more on composting...
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07/08/2026

The Blackwall Compost Converter, or 'Dalek' compost bin, is a great starter compost bin, affordable and made from 100% recycled plastic. There are plenty of similar designs on the market and they can often be found advertised on Freecycle and Freegle sites or why not try your luck with a 'Wanted' ad if you are looking to start composting on a budget.

Keep following for more composting and food waste reduction tips from Garden Organic.

For more on composting...
https://linktr.ee/gardenorganiccomposting

For more on food waste...
https://linktr.ee/gardenorganicfoodwaste

05/08/2026

Come to the Heritage Hub in Gloucester on Saturday for communal gardening, food and music

This Saturday we are holding our monthly Soil + Samosas from DESI DELIGHTS GLOUCESTER + Sounds from DJ Howard. The thepottingshedglos will be open selling Social Source. It’s free, it’s fun and it’s building community. The Gloucester Start What’s Going on in Gloucestershire glosinfo - Gloucestershire Good News Glos CIC Channell Events Love Gloucestershire | Community | Networking Nourishing Gloucester Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

05/08/2026

Come and celebrate Bisley Community Compost Site's 21st birthday on 15th August - a packed day with wildlife and compost activities, art and food....

01/08/2026

The 'HOME OK compost' logo that you might see on a corn starch bag means it has been tested to break down at 20-30 degrees over a 26 week period, so should be fine for home composting.

It is important to note that some items will simply say 'compostable' or 'biodegradable' with no certification and this can make it more difficult to know how to dispose of it.

Keep following for more composting and food waste reduction tips from Garden Organic.

For more on composting...
https://linktr.ee/gardenorganiccomposting

For more on food waste...
https://linktr.ee/gardenorganicfoodwaste