‘Compost King’ gardener uses FREE hack to make compost in weeks

COMPOST King author Mick Poultney thinks he can make compost in a month – using a very unusual hack.

So to celebrate National Compost Week Sun Gardening spoke to the 72-year-old about how he managed to turn it around in such a short time.

Mick Poultney has been making homemade compost for more than forty yearsCredit: supplied

Mick combines many different elements to make his compost.Credit: Mick Poultney – Compost King

Mick thinks manure is one of the most important things to add to your compost.Credit: Mick Poultney – Compost King

National Compost Week – which ends on Sunday – encourages you to get out and turn your food waste into wonder, save your soil and support local ecosystems.

MICK’S METHOD

Ex-naval man Mick, 72, from Colley Gate, West Midlands, said: “I have been making compost for 40 years.

“Through trial and error, I can now prepare homemade compost for use as a growing medium within a month.

“One of the best things to indicate that things are going well are worms. When I see a worm I am happy, and so is she.

“And nitrogen is an excellent activator for your compost. One form of nitrogen is urine!

“If I’m in the field and need a puddle, the compost gets it!

“It’s also a good deterrent against foxes, badgers, cats and the like. I spread it along the edge of my paths on the property.”

“I also ask the charity shops to keep their paperback books for me – the older the better, as the pages are starting to break off. This can be shredded to go into the compost.

“Manure is the best activator you can get, and it’s also where you get your worms. Just add it to your bin.”

My DIY Fertilizer Uses Kitchen Scraps—It’s Not Compost, But It’s Packed with Ingredient-Making Nutrients

MICK’S TOP TIPS

The more natural ingredients you can add, the better
Use finely chopped kitchen scraps along with shredded paper, nothing shiny or colored.
Topsoil is full of nutrients and organic matter – molehills are fantastic.
Add fertilizer because that’s where you’ll get your worms.
Mix a handful of each in a plastic bag and turn several times.
Empty the bag into a 330 liter Blackwell plastic compost bin. Cover with black plastic to absorb sunlight.
Level and water if necessary. Place layers of carpet on top. Let the worms do their work.
If you need compost, scrape off the top 4 inches, take what you need and replace the scraped layer.

Mick’s book The Compost King; Compost is ready to use within a month and is available for purchase here.

Turn waste into wonder

National Compost Week UK – March 11 to March 17 – encourages you to:

Start composting: Set up a compost bin in your garden or backyard and start adding appropriate waste.
Attend workshops: Many communities are hosting workshops or events this week, providing advice on effective composting techniques.
Spread the word: Educate friends, family and neighbors about the benefits of composting.
Support green initiatives: Consider supporting local organizations or projects committed to composting and other sustainable practices.