Gardener’s Corner – Composting

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:05:33 +0000

Waste Aware Scotland offers the following tips to ensure householders get the most from their composting:

Positioning the compost bin.
Ideally place the bin on soil or grass in a partially shaded area of the garden that can be accessed easily all year round.
Getting the right mix.
Aim to get a 50/50 mix of Green materials such as fruit and veg peelings, cut flowers and grass cuttings and Brown materials such as paper, cardboard, egg shells and hedge trimmings.
Adding air.
Air speeds up the composting process. This can be done by adding air pockets created by placing scrunched up paper and card in the bin or manually by turning the compost with a garden fork.

Compost bins can be ordered at Waste Aware Scotland or by calling 0845 076 0223 from as little as £8.
Anyone interested in finding out more about composting should visit the Council’s website

Gardeners Corner

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:46:16 +0000

Winter really limits outdoor work, although many useful tasks can be done now.
If Crocuses or Snowdrops are overcrowded lift, divide, and replant them after they have bloomed.
Now is also the time to get your Roses ready for the Summer. Prune to reduce the size, remove diseased stems, or stems that are crossing each other. As a general rule, prune back stems by about half to two thirds.
Dig over any empty beds in preparation for Spring sowing. Now is the time to plant Gladiola, Dahlia, Begonia, etc.
Newspapers will often show good plant offers at this time of year, so be on the lookout!

Written by Peggy Cameron

antirisdeach.com | The online version of the fortnightly newsletter from the Isle of Tiree » plants

Gardener’s Corner – Composting

Gardeners Corner