How to Make a Compost Bin from Pallets: A UK Guide
Build a practical pallet compost bay with sound timber, secure corners and a removable front. Includes measurements to check, access planning and guidance for first use.
Soil & Compost
Improve growing conditions by understanding the soil and compost you use. Browse home-composting systems, leaf mould, mulch, soil testing and soil improvement, alongside peat-free mixes, potting ingredients and refreshing container compost. The guides explain how to choose, make, store and use these materials.
Autumn leaf collection: deciding what to clear and leave
Deciding whether to clear or leave autumn leaves depends on garden hygiene and soil goals. This guide explains how to identify diseased foliage, protect lawns, and recycle healthy leaves into ‘black gold’ leafmould.
Leaf mould: how to turn autumn leaves into a soil improver
Leaf mould is a free, crumbly soil improver made from autumn leaves. This guide explains which leaves break down best, how to store them in bags or bins, and how to use the finished mould as mulch, soil conditioner, or potting mix ingredient.
Composting in winter: keeping a small bin productive
Winter slows composting, but a small bin can still produce useful compost. Adjust your green and brown balance, protect the bin from rain, and turn occasionally to keep microbes working. Here’s how to keep a compact bin productive through the coldest months.
Green manures for vegetable beds: choosing and clearing a crop
Green manures protect soil and add nutrients between harvests. This guide covers how to select species based on soil type, integrate them into rotations, and clear them using digging or no-dig methods.
How to fix a wet and smelly compost bin
A wet, smelly compost bin is a sign of too much water and too little air. The fix is to cover the bin, add dry brown material such as shredded paper or woodchip, and turn the heap to restore oxygen. With the right balance, the smell should disappear.