Around Ealing Autumn 2015 | Page 44

COMPOSTING Nature’s feast Autumn is the perfect time to start composting, as leaves fall from trees, and flowers die. Compost acts as a natural fertiliser and is full of nutrients for your garden. C ompost is nature’s way of recycling and not only does it get rid of unwanted waste, but at the end of the process gardeners also get a handy selfmade product to help their garden grow. Because it is so packed full of nutrients, compost can be used to feed plants, improve soil texture and help your garden retain moisture in dry weather conditions. Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “Home composting is, without a doubt, the most environmentally friendly way of disposing of old plants, dead flowers, grass cuttings and other foliage. “By starting to fill a compost bin now, 44 around ealing Autumn 2015 you should produce enough goodquality compost in time to use on your garden in a few months’ time – in the spring – when you are planting and encouraging growth. “You can take advantage of a reduced-price compost bin through Ealing Council, which start as low as £17.98 from www.ealing.getcomposting.com “The bin is delivered to your home and comes with a handy guide on how to use it and you might be surprised by just how many items you can actually compost.” As well as garden waste and uncooked food waste, you can compost shredded cardboard, paper and newspaper – and a lot more. At least 30% of the average household bin can be composted. There are many everyday waste items from your home and garden that can be added. MORE ABOUT COMPOST Compost is produced by alternating layers of some of the natural products listed above. A mix of ‘greens’ and