Gardeners urged to place old sponges in gardens this week (Image: Getty)
Many gardeners will be keen to get back outside as warmer weather approaches. This means completing jobs such as pruning and planting. Another way gardeners can kickstart spring gardening is by creating the “perfect compost” to support new growth in the garden, according to an expert. Richard King, garden expert at Dino Decking, has offered advice on how to make the most of your waste by sharing little-known items that you can add to your garden.
He said: “As spring brings longer days and warmer temperatures, gardeners will now see their compost piles thrive, and for those who are just starting theirs, now is a great time to get recycling. Compost heaps are great for the soil, feeding plants rich nutrients and are a great way to give back to nature. By composting these often-overlooked materials, you’re reducing waste while enriching your soil with diverse nutrients.”
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Old sponges
Instead of throwing away old sponges, chop them up and add them to your compost heap.
Provided they are made from natural sources such as loofah or cellulose, the gardening expert said they are great for balancing the “nitrogen-rich materials” and absorbing water.
This helps to keep the compost nice and damp for microbial activity. Richard noted: “Synthetic kitchen sponges, however, should never be composted as they can add toxins to the compost.”
Old sponges can also be added to the bottom of plant pots, beneath the soil and the plant. Over time, they can slowly release water to the plant, which is great for the summer months.
Breads and pastries
As well as old sponges, you can compost any leftover plain bread, cracker crumbs, or baked goods, as long as they aren’t covered in butter.
Hairballs
The expert continued: “It might not be the most appealing addition, but both pet and human hair are great for composting.
“Hair is rich in nitrogen, which helps the other materials break down faster and contributes to a fertile final product.
Gardening planner (Image: EXPRESS)
“Hair can also help aerate compost piles, but too much may lump together in large amounts and can actually slow decomposition.” Mixing the hair with dry materials, such as straw, can help you integrate it more efficiently.
Feathers
Similar to hair, bird feathers are also great for compost piles as they are a fantastic nitrogen source.
The expert added: “However, they can take a long time to break down, so breaking them up into smaller pieces can help to decompose and contribute to a healthy, diverse compost.”
Corks
After enjoying a glass of wine, simply toss the cork onto the compost pile to contribute to a “biodiverse compost”.
Natural cork is the “perfect” addition to compost, according to the expert, as it is biodegradable.
However, make sure to chop or grind it small, as it can take a while to break down.
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