How to compost this summer

Summer is a great time of year to compost at home. The higher temperatures will speed up the composting process. This is why placing your compost bin in a sunny spot in the garden helps the process.

Composting in the summer months

Those warm summer days will ensure your compost bin works hard over the next few months. The heat activates micro-organisms to breakdown your compostable material even faster.

However, the warm weather could dry out your compost bin too much, or you may find ants on the surface. This is a good indicator that your compost bin needs a little more moisture. Try adding grass clippings or fruit and vegetable peelings in the first instance. If you find the contents are still too dry you can add a little water.

In contrast, if there are summer spells of heavy rain your bin may become waterlogged. This means that you will need to protect the micro-organisms. You can do this by covering the bin, or keeping the lid on. You can also add dry materials, such as shredded paper and cardboard. Remember to keep turning the contents of your compost bin to allow air to circulate.

Composting tips for the seasons

Composting in autumn

Gather autumn leaves, start a new bin or try your hand at trench composting.

Trench dug in garden filled with vegetable scraps.

Composting in winter

Keep your compost bin warm and try trench composting.

Man in boots using a shovel to put compost around plants.

Composting in spring

Spring is one of the best times of year to get out in the garden and start composting.