Composting Secrets That Will Transform Your Garden!

[@simplifygardening]

Want to go in-depth on composting? Check out my book Composting Masterclass. www.amazon.com/Tony-ONeill/e/B09Z79VFRB/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

[@carolynsteele5116]

Great video for those of us “compost obsessed” people! My dream is to have 6 compost bays...as of now I only have 3.

[@simplifygardening]

On top of these i also have 9 of the darlic style bins but i use them for leafmould or to store compost

[@pmc9088]

I use welded wire rings lined with nursery fabric. The fabric is key for better outer layer composting. No stakes and nothing fancy. One roll of fabric and one roll of fence. I used hog rings to attach the fabric to the welded wire and just a fence wire tie to close the rings. Each is about 1.5 cubic meters volume. When its time to turn or done I just pull the ring and set it up next to the existing pile and either turn into it or use it. I'm using 4 rings now and can upsize and downsize this system pretty painlessly. I can roll up extra rings, use them for smothering weeds or recycle them as trellis and row cover easily. A very flexible system.

[@frankscales7295]

TOP OF THE CLASS AS EVER TONY

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Frank

[@applet8330]

I’m definitely going to kick up my composting game this year. Thank you for the inspiration

[@emmagoff]

Loving seeing the snow we haven't got any down south! Upgraded from 2 pallet compost bins to 5 this winter, just can't make enough lovely compost for my growing veg garden!!

[@simplifygardening]

Where are you Emma?

[@applet8330]

Stepping in now, in this still very frozen land in Canada to activate my compost plan for this year. Thank you so much Toni, for the inspiration. I’m so grateful for your help

[@simplifygardening]

So glad it’s helped April

[@homegardens7682]

Yes. Composting is fantastic. Enjoyed this Tony. Cheers.

[@simplifygardening]

Cheers Dan

[@LiliansGardens]

I have three compost bins I'm so encouraged to see this video. I can imagine my plants singing and dancing with homemade compost.

[@simplifygardening]

They will love it as will the soil life

[@ecologytoday]

Hey Tony ! Glad to see you making videos again. Your enthusiasm is very obvious. This particular video on the value of composting was great. It must have taken a lot of time and effort. Adding additional images for the details of the microbes and bacteria was good. Due to small space gardening and community rules, I am unable to compost in the large size piles. In Canada, we get commercially made plastic bins for aesthetics. They are a bit small for ideal compost making. I currently use 6 of these squeezed in wherever possible and hope to turn them more frequently when spring thaws allow that. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with us.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Jay. yes been making videos again for the last 3 weeks and nice to be back

[@rustysmith8784]

Great vlog, with some really important points made. In the last 2 years I have really made an effort to compost. I only have 2 4ft square bays but I create virtually enough to keep my small veg patch, greenhouse and borders in the front garden topped up. I do still buy compost for seed sowing, but only use 4-6 bags a year. I only put perennial weeds in my green bin which is taken by the council and probably only put it out 2-3 times a year. The benefit of composting to the garden and environment is immense.

[@simplifygardening]

Perfect Rusty

[@richardjohnson3463]

Excellent video, cheers

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard

[@zenzen9131]

Awesome video Tony. Your enthusiasm and knowledge is amazing :)

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Zen Zen i am glad you enjoyed it

[@jacintabyline]

Kia ora from New Zealand Tony, and thanks for a wonderfully informative video. I am becoming rather compost obsessed and wherever I go keep my eyes peeled for possible materials to use. I care for my compost pile like I used to care for my babies lol. But you have provided much food for thought and it's much appreciated. A big thumbs up!

[@simplifygardening]

Best of luck!

[@tasgardener7923]

Compost can be very dangerous I'd it gets too hot. When I first started making compost (over 10 years ago now) I had a really big mound of it and I thought it was going great - until it became too hot and dry and one day in the middle of summer and it burst into flame and burned down the three compost bins and part of my fence! I wasn't home at the time and I came home to the fire service in my drive and the fire fighters putting it out before it burned down anything else. Never made that mistake again.

[@simplifygardening]

Thats why in the video i point to at the end of this one I explain exactly how to get the best compost and safely

[@stevendowden2579]

great video most enjoyable

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Steven

[@debkincaid2891]

You are so inspiring! Definitely intend to put your great advice into practice. Thanks!

[@simplifygardening]

So glad! and thanks Deb glad your enjoying the videos

[@pamdhaliwal3118]

Hi tony...hope you are well..thanks for a brilliant informative video...I wish I had space to make compost....I will try in a large bucket...see how I go...👍

[@simplifygardening]

You can do it Pam let me know how you get on

[@ghendar]

Last fall I collected several bags of leaves and in the spring and summer I'll have plenty of grass clippings. In addition to this I have been collecting coffee grounds and kitchen scraps all winter. All of it will go into my new pile this spring. The leaves will get chewed up by the lawnmower before going in. Can't wait. Might try some leaf mold too

[@lisag9493]

Hi Real Wet Biscuit,, There may be worms present in your leaf pile so please don’t chop them up with your lawnmower ,, just pile it all in now and all your extra kitchen scraps can be added and forked into the top layer,, best wishes, Lisa

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Excellent information Tony. The benefits of feeding your soil is really important. Thanks for showing your composting systems. Take care. Nick

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Nick glad you enjoyed the video

[@FreeCanadian76]

I love composting everything,. and having chickens, I can turn food over fast! mixing the green material with woodchips is my cheat. The chicken bedding gets layered in the bins throughout the year, and the following year it's absolute magic! My gf jokes that it could probably grow snow! hahaha One thing that I picked up and have yet to try, is to keep chickens in the greenhouse for the winter, and fill the greenhouse with woodchips to about 12" high. remove that stuff in the spring and put it in a bin to compost. SOOOO many things to try and do . Can't wait for the spring!

[@simplifygardening]

I usedto do that in my tunnel when i had the poultry

[@jenniferm3572]

Very informative. Excited to get my compost going. Thank you!

[@simplifygardening]

Great stuff Jennifer Im sure your garden will love you for it

[@pixiedragon]

I have two compost bins in my back yard, I did not get a chance to use them last year because I moved in the fall and I live in a very cold climate. but I have started to fill one now tha the weather is getting more mild, and the other I need to dig out the old stuff from the previous owners so I can use that one effectively.

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent Ciara. wont be long before you have your own homemade compost

[@niallgardens]

I got 100% bitten by the composting bug last year (actually, that sounds really yuck! 😂)! Totally agree with all of your reasons. Composting is just such a powerful thing to do. Now that I've got the hang of it, or at least I think I've got the hang of it, I won't be going back! Great video, thanks for making it!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Niall now your making your own you are in control. no issues if the shops don't have it

[@niallgardens]

@@simplifygardening You're absolutely right. Plus I found that I got so much satisfaction growing things in something that I knew I'd created ☺️

[@wilsonator2008]

We’ve got a compost bin and we get a decent amount of compost that we use for planting potatoes and seedlings in whilst also knowing all our fruit/veg/garden waste aren’t going to the council and getting pumped into landfill or getting sold

[@simplifygardening]

Perfect Josh. use it all mate

[@MyFamilyGarden]

Absolutely agree Tony, it's so important to make your own compost to build soil Absolutely right done right composting is a powerful tool to compat climate change, healthy soil sequesters carbon.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Monty another benefit within the climate change section :)

[@davidstraker8336]

Always more info than other sources. Diolch, boyo!

[@johnjude2685]

Thanks for the teaching Sir

[@simplifygardening]

Anytime John :)

[@liamcurry4625]

Great video as always Tony.

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you enjoyed it Liam

[@Seancreaney7]

I have a big plastic coal bunker that hasnt been used in a few years , if I hose that out could I use it as compost bin . My first year this year to do gardening . I am an Irish singer and because of the lockdown I will not be travelling to Spain Portugal or the Canaries to work the summer season so I bought myself a polytunnel and want to do gardening to keep me sane lol .saw one of your videos a few months ago and subscribed and I cant wait to grow stuff , thanks Mr O'Niel .

[@PleasantPrickles]

I’m crazy about my compost.I feel like our household produces so much less waste as a result and my clay soil is beginning to look so much better with the addition of my home made compost . This video has convinced me that I should always wear gloves with all those wonderful pooping creepy, crawly creatures! Thanks for a great video on the topic! 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱😃

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you found value in the video

[@ExploringNatureTogether]

A really thorough video, Tony, as always!! I can't get enough of compost and it's benefits! It is invaluable and having a real appreciation of it, hits the spot for me! I want to add that kitchen scraps should be coming from organic foods to keep it as natural as possible in terms of pesticides and herbicides! Easily done if you grow and eat organically from your garden or allotment, but if you don't, at very least, choose to buy organic produce at your local markets! It's the simplest thing to create!! Your compost is absolutely gorgeous, friable soil, for the health of your beds!! It's virtually free and adds such incredible value! A fundamental ingredient to the quality, and even quantity, of the food you grow and gratifying to produce!! Wow, did I say I enjoyed this? If I didn't I should have! Thanks Tony!! Have a great weekend, my friend!! 💚

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks so much. im really glad you enjoyed this video, it took an ages to edit lol

[@ExploringNatureTogether]

💚@@simplifygardening

[@TheBigadam1980]

Tony I have access to lots of ised coffee grounds do you recommend using them and if so what for?

[@RaysRailVideos]

Yes get it stuck in your compost

[@simplifygardening]

yes its fine to add to the compost. watch the video at the end of this one where i point to it. i give you everything you will ever need to know

[@Ed19601]

I usually give my kitchen scraps to chickens. Every year i dig out their deep bedding. Great soil. Disadvantage: occasionally some wheat from the chicken feed will pop up. I don't mind, i just pull it out and feed it to the chickens, but one could also decide to microwave the chicken feed for a minute before feeding them. Leaves also go to my chickens. Cardboard->much Branches, bury those in new beds

[@bazf2443]

You can grow mushrooms in coffee grounds.

[@pmc9088]

Great for the compost or put them right on any arborist chip mulch. They wash right down with rain or water and work with your mulch layer to feed the soil.

[@deborahfromdcspetersoncity9213]

That's some beautiful compost you have made.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Deborah. everyone can make compost and reap the benefits

[@deborahfromdcspetersoncity9213]

Simplify Gardening .......your right about that. I've been composting where I live now for the past four years.

[@simplifygardening]

@@deborahfromdcspetersoncity9213 And bet its improving the soil quality too

[@deborahfromdcspetersoncity9213]

Simplify Gardening ......it sure has.

[@sandy-rr1by]

1st yr gardening, so i set up two 3x3 bins and a dual tumbler. have succeeded in filling them all up by winter. also stacked spare blocks to hold all the leaves i gathered. also add kitchen scraps & coffee grounds. wondering how long to turn all these into useable compost. not smelly at all !!!

[@simplifygardening]

That is awesome! it will depend on getting everything right but if you view the video i point to at the end thats a complete bible for composting that will walk you through what to do and when and how to speed it all up

[@sandy-rr1by]

@@simplifygardening i will watch it. thank you sooo much!!!

[@patjoyce7247]

Great vid Tony, keep it up!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Pat

[@plantsoverpills1643]

I planted lettuce seeds directly in cell plugs in screened homemade compost. They germinated in 3 days! 🥳 Yet using store bought seed starter, I only manage to grow a few, spotty unhealthy seedlings that died, and a swarm of fungus gnats. 😓

[@smithy4121]

Thank you for your video I've got some compost in darlec bins I know your type are better but I just don't have the space in my garden. I'm pretty wary about putting vegetable scraps in them as my neighbours and I have had rats in the gardens with the restaurants being shut. I'm hoping they've gone but not holding my breath. The bottom of them is definitely compost but not the top which is the only problem. It seems to have slowed right down now its colder. Is there a way of composting in the darlec bins or do they just not work? Thanks

[@simplifygardening]

Smithy I get no rats in my bins because if you shred everything as small as possible they don't bother with it.

[@smithy4121]

@@simplifygardening thanks maybe a silly question but how do you shred stuff?

[@simplifygardening]

@@smithy4121 a shredder, lawnmower, or even cutting it or smashing up with a hammer

[@smithy4121]

@@simplifygardening thank you I wish I'd thought of using a lawnmower. It might all be compost by now. I used shears which obviously don't cut as small and the last big things that went in still haven't anywhere near decomposed I think it was potato or tomato stalks

[@simplifygardening]

@@smithy4121 the smaller you get it the better it allows the microbes to get in as a larger surface area, this produces more heat and it breaks down much quicker as a result

[@tuckerfamilyhomestead880]

Awesome! Nothing like homemade compost!

[@simplifygardening]

i agree with you

[@SuzyTopAgent]

Excellent composting video, we love it! 🥬🥒🍌🥕🥔🍅 we throw away all our scraps! We save it in a coffee can and throw it out!

[@simplifygardening]

Save it all and compost it Suzy its such a shame to throw it away, your garden will thank you for it

[@SuzyTopAgent]

and the worms 😄👍

[@sohahashim9175]

Tony please help me. I have access to lots and lots of sheep manure, as long as I can go and collect it. Can you tell me how to make compost with it, or can I just put it on my soil as it is considered cold manure.

[@kevinrowbotham545]

Only 9? ;o) Thanks for the video Tony!

[@simplifygardening]

Sorry Kevin. I will endeavor to do better next time ;)

[@cw2126]

Great content great video 👍👍👍

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks pal. hope your good? glad you enjoyed the video

[@NualaOSullivan20]

I have a tiny enclosed patio yard, I had a small compost bin purchased from Lidl years ago, made of soft material, like plastic covered canvas, that is really falling apart now. Any suggestions for replacements, the dalek bins are too large. Current bin measures about 2ft tall by 14inch diameter

[@simplifygardening]

Could you build one from timber

[@AbundantAcresHomestead]

Great video 👍🏼 Composting just makes sense

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you found value in the video

[@richie1654]

Thanks to you I am loving my compost area now. Wondering if you can help with one problem I have, after leaving the compost over the winter my bay of 12 month old compost becomes compacted and wet ( its covered with carpet), so it takes a bit of forking around to get it back but Im wondering if I should add more rough material to keep it aerated and if yes what would you suggest, many thanks

[@richie1654]

I wanted to add Tony that I have access to wood shavings, sawdust, bark chippings and bark strips but Im wondering if these products were added to help aeration would it change the acidity, cheers

[@beckyryder2227]

What's the best thing to do with used compost from pots or planters? Thank you

[@simplifygardening]

Becky i have a video on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXiclahnd82fl9U

[@beckyryder2227]

@@simplifygardening watched. Brilliant thank you

[@thedaydreamer7972]

Great Videos

[@sf.9731]

It is a moral obligation to compost. At least that is the way l see it, cause we have no right to destroy the soil for our future generations

[@simplifygardening]

Totally agree Lena :)

[@michaelboom7704]

Yup last summer I really got into hot composting...I cannot make enough but as long as I get product then something is cooking...lol Over a whole year I may put out one,maybe two green bags ( for composting ) that I don't want to deal with...everything goes into making compost.

[@simplifygardening]

Its so good and the best thing for your soil

[@johnowen2771]

Im limited on space in my garden with it being paving slabs or concrete. Any tips on what i could use to make compost in?

[@jackphillpotts7064]

I'd reccomend a compost tumbler if you have a large budget, if not, get a cheap dustbin and drill drainage holes into it.

[@simplifygardening]

tumblers or the darlic style bins can be used well

[@simplifygardening]

they can also be made

[@wilsonator2008]

I’ve got a relatively small garden, but we’ve got a Compost bin in the far corner of the garden to put all our vegetable scraps, hedge trimmings and fruit peels in. I’m tempted to build a composter out of a few wooden pellets next to it to put all the hedge trimmings, Ivy cuttings and grass cuttings (from council land across the road so I’m not paying for any compostable materials).

[@AbundantAcresHomestead]

Tumblers are easy to make and if you DIY you can make any size for your area

[@petertowns2012]

Hi Tony ,Great video and content,would it be advisable to put some sort of roofing on top of the compost bay so they dont get waterlogged

[@simplifygardening]

I will be doing that eventually Peter. but a sheet of plastic over the top sheds water down the sides so it helps, but a roof system will eventually be built. but don't let the lack of one stop you composting

[@djsimonrossprice9400]

Hi tony Question. With average household waste Plus garden waste. Once you've got the compost to heat up how long generally does it take to get to the " Black Gold"... in winter time/spring. P.s once you have the "gold" is there a kit to measure the N.P.K

[@simplifygardening]

You can make compost from start to finish in 8 weeks but i work on a 6 month turn around

[@djsimonrossprice9400]

@@simplifygardening cheers tony.

[@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115]

Tony, same question I asked Charles Dowding I have a large container of what was compost but we had a storm and it filled with water . Can I use the water as a tea and how would you suggest drying out my compost again. Compost is kitchen scraps over a year old. Any help appreciated. 😥❤️❤️❤️

[@simplifygardening]

Yes kimiye you could use the water fine. to dry it out id turn it and mix in some more carbon straw cardboard paper. or leave it and spread it out on a dry day the rebuild the pile

[@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115]

@@simplifygardening my thought was to add just enough dry matter hbutI need do you think it ti be ready in June

[@simplifygardening]

@@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115 use straw and it will be and turn it a couple of times

[@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115]

@@simplifygardening thanks Tony will do that today. 👍🏻

[@cristianrosescu2914]

My local veggie shop throws out a fair amount of fruit and veggies that have gone off. I could collect this food and compost it at home. My concern is that i could end up putting pesticides and insecticides into my garden soil. Should I only compost organic material off my property only that I know is chemical free?

[@simplifygardening]

It maybe possible that most of the veg is from an organic source so check with the supplier you get it from

[@deecooper1567]

Hi Tony, great video on compost! I have 3 bays just built & full of leaves, from neighbors 😉, & manure. Won’t be ready for awhile tho. Question????? Why do you have all the big blue drums around your gardening area? Water? Love your vids! Have a great day ❣️☕️

[@simplifygardening]

Sounds great!

[@themightykhan2]

How many plots do you have to produce that much waste for composting?

[@simplifygardening]

I grow on 3 full sized plots but i also compost others waste that i know garden organically and are not able to do it themselves

[@lisag9493]

Thanks Tony 👍🏾 how often do you turn your heaps , are you troubled at all by moles eating the worms ? Best wishes, Lisa

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Lisa. I turn my heaps just once just after they cool down it heats them back up then its aloud to cool and finish by itself

[@morgancmill]

Great video Tony. I hope you don’t mind me asking a question or two. I have a lot of Privet hedges in my garden, I was told not to put clippings in my compost bin. Is that correct? I’m only 100 yards from the beach can I put seaweed in my compost bin?

[@simplifygardening]

Hey, there is no problem with adding either of these. privit may take longer to brake down as its an evergreen but its fine to compost

[@margaretcunningham7146]

New tó your channel, but not to gardening... Curious to know what you think of Rock dust?

[@simplifygardening]

Margaret. Firstly welcome to the channel. Secondly, Im not a fan of it. i know the benefits of the minerals, but I believe this takes hundreds of years to break down not a season. In fact I made a video on this very subject here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/maukg5WffaaIeJY

[@lavgarden]

I started my compost in 5gallons buckets, a little bit of Time but helpful

[@simplifygardening]

every bit helps

[@lavgarden]

Yes it really helpful for plant

[@Kiyarose3999]

Keep the nutrients for the Garden or Pots( in my case), why send them away on big lorries, to Landfil etc, and emit more ghg.

[@simplifygardening]

exactly send the nutrients away then buy more nutrients lol

[@kitrobbo1696]

Thank you ❤️ your channel from Australia kit

[@simplifygardening]

Hey Kit. Where in Australia are you. Spent a few years around Canbera uladula, and Mackay

[@meehan302]

You can't beat your own organic compost

[@simplifygardening]

I couldnt agree more Patrick

[@GladiatorReid]

Best keep the compost away from the oil tank

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah wouldnt want that

[@monaraahmed7193]

👍👍👍

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks :)

[@martindohnal7154]

👌

[@simplifygardening]

:)

[@RaysRailVideos]

Always have done i refuse to give my garden waste to the council and then pay for the privilege of doing so too stuff the council

[@simplifygardening]

then they want to sell it back to you too

[@RaysRailVideos]

@@simplifygardening aye exactly haha stuff them and there corrupt scamming ways, am keeping my so called garden waste and letting nature do its job

[@Ed19601]

Stick it to the man

[@RaysRailVideos]

@@Ed19601 they come round mine n ill do more than stick it to the man

[@TheBigadam1980]

Sorry me again, why is it I don't see many worms in your compost is it because the camera isn't zoomed in?

[@simplifygardening]

the worms all go to the core during cold periods as you saw there is snow on the floor and until i filmed this the top of that bin had a sheet of plastic a but of carpet and a load of snow on it. so the worms go to the center to stay warm. there are tons in there and if you look back to some of my older compost videos you will see them. I also have a video coming shortly that will show you how compost affects your soil, so stay tuned for that. there you will see plenty of worms

[@TheBigadam1980]

@@simplifygardening thank you Tony I look forward to it.

[@karljoachimgoll]

Agree absolutely! Great Video! We should found a Compost Religion, or, at least, a Compost Party - and take over power! 🧅🥔🧄 🥕🍎

[@simplifygardening]

love that attitude :)

[@houseofbaboshka6456]

I got lots of lovely worms in my compost bins :)

[@simplifygardening]

That's great! shows that they are happy and helping to break it down

[@djsimonrossprice9400]

Get yourself a fishing rod..🤣🤣🤣🤣 Free bait.. 👍👍