compost heap

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compost heap

a pile of vegetable material which is allowed to break down through decomposition by microorganisms, and is subsequently used to improve the fertility of garden soils.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005

References in periodicals archive ?

strength using keep Tip IF you have space for two compost heaps, start a second to keep adding waste to, while using the matured compost from the first.

How to... garden yourself fitter; 32 LIFESTYLE Gardening with Adrienne Wild

So all the comfrey leaves are going straight on the compost heap.

Out with the old leaf mould; diary

The easiest way to turn organic material into garden food is to make a compost heap.

SPOIL THE PLOT ROTTEN; Don't let garden refuse go to waste... gather old flowers, roots, foliage, leaves and stems to make a compost s heap; IN THE GARDEN

Leaves are best collected regularly and added to your compost heap.

Batten down hatches for winter; Garden Watch

"Can I put any kitchen waste and food scraps in my compost heap?" Yes, you can, as anything that was once living can be composted but bear in mind that food waste can attract vermin, particularly rats.

Recycle your waste into beneficial compost; Garden compost is a great way to boost your borders and is perfect for a vegetable patch. And the best thing about it is it's free, says David Howard

Compost is vital for feeding the soil and improving its texture, and anyone can make it because the raw material of the compost heap is all the vegetable waste from the kitchen and the garden.

Waste not..

Alternatively, you can make a compost heap by erecting a wire-mesh cage with four corner posts, lined with cardboard or straw.

Gardening can be lot of rot; gardening

Heimlich suggests the following "recipe" for constructing compost heaps that work the fastest:

How to make compost

Continue to add all of the clippings to your compost heaps, layering up with coarser material so that there is plenty of air flowing through the mixture.

Time to brace the lawn for winter; Garden Watch

Some compost heaps have too much green stuff in them, such as grass cuttings or leafy weeds.

Composting is a simple way; Composting is a simple way to go green, but are you getting the mix right? STEVE EMSLEY has been making the perfect compost

Simple to make: Builders' pallets can be used to make garden compost bins.; Turning: Compost heaps will need turning from time to time during decomposition.

Heaps of ideas; Hannah Stephenson reveals why it's the perfect time to start next year's compost