Monty Don, the beloved presenter of Gardeners' World, has shared a free and simple gardening tip that he claims is 'better than any product known to man.' In his May 2024 blog, the British television presenter and author urged gardeners to make their own compost, describing the process as turning waste into 'black gold.'
The Power of Homemade Compost
According to Monty Don, composting is an alchemical process that transforms kitchen and garden scraps into a nutrient-rich soil enhancer. He emphasizes that it costs nothing and is incredibly easy to start. 'Compost is the alchemy of a garden, turning waste into black gold and we should compost every scrap of garden and kitchen waste,' he wrote.
The key to making compost quickly, he explains, lies in balancing 'green' materials (high in nitrogen, like grass clippings) with 'brown' materials (high in carbon, like dry leaves). Regular aeration by turning the heap with a fork introduces oxygen, feeding the bacteria that break down the material. 'The point is to get oxygen into the heap which in turn feeds the bacteria that eat the decomposing material and convert it into compost which will then enrich your soil with essential bacteria, fungi and nutrients better than any product known to man,' Monty Don added.
Benefits for Every Garden
Homemade compost enriches soil with nutrients, supports plant growth, and can be used as a fertiliser, mulch, or soil conditioner. For those with limited outdoor space, compost bins are available in various sizes and prices to suit both large gardens and smaller patios. According to BBC Gardeners World Magazine, recycling garden and kitchen waste in a compost bin is a natural method to enhance your garden's health.
Monty Don's advice underscores that anyone can contribute to a greener, more sustainable garden without spending a penny. By following his simple steps, gardeners can create a product that outperforms any commercial alternative.
