Using good quality compost is essential for the health of your plants as well as yourself and your family, if you are eating those plants. Plants are getting their nutrients from the soil. Your soil should have a rich sweet aroma. If it has an unpleasant odour then your plants will struggle rather than flourish. Sick soil equals sick plants.

Making your own compost is cheaper and better for the environment. There are many different ways to compost. It is important to choose the way that will work best for you. If it is too difficult, many people will give up, so easy and simple can be best.

After adding compost to your soil, mulching will then help retain the moisture in the soil reducing the need to water by up to 60%. Choosing the right mulch is also important as it will then break down and feed the soil as well as encourage worms and micro-organisms. Organic mulches are best for improving soil structure and drainage. It will also keep the soil temperature constant. Examples of organic mulch include lucerne, pea, bean and cane straw and even cocoa bean hulls. A product we recommend is called Supa Poo which is 100% organic composted ( for at least 4 months) thoroughbred stable muckings, wood shavings and Lucerne hay. It is very effective as a soil improver as well as a mulch. We have been using this product on our garden for over 10 years and find that it has the added advantage over straw mulches, in that it deters the blackbirds from digging in the garden.