A Greener Garden

Recycle for a better future!

Topical matters                 

We believe gardeners whilst thrifty by nature are also keen to help the environment and what better way than to recycle waste materials.  Here we look at some of the processes. 

Recycling Plant waste

Whatever the size of your garden even the smallest can generate an amazing amount of waste, and almost all of it can be recycled to provide valuable material through composting.   Grass clippings and leafy waste together with kitchen and other garden waste such as chopped up pieces of young pliable stems of trees and shrubs can be added to the compost heap for use in the garden.  After decomposing it forms a valuable source of organic matter.   

A shredder makes short work of woody waste such as hedge and shrub prunings and the resulting material can be used as mulch.  Woodier material, with stems up to about 2.5cm (1ins.) thick, can be processed using a garden shredder, saving you a good deal of money on mulching materials.  The shredder can also be used for other leafy material, chopping it up so that it breaks down very quickly when added to the compost heap. 

If a shredder is not available, bag up woody waste and dispose of it at a municipal recycling centre rather than burning it. Badly managed bonfires pollute the atmosphere, and the smoke can be a nuisance to neighbours. 

When digging over new ground incorporate a 5-8cm (2-3ins.) layer of leafy garden waste in the base of the trenches.  It will break down to help improve the condition of the soil.  It can also be used as a mulch to reduce water loss and weed growth.  .  

TIPS

• Grass clippings and leafy waste provide-valuable-material for the compost heap
• A shredder quickly chops up both leafy and woody waste, for adding to the compost heap, or for use as an excellent mulch

• If a lot of woody prunings have accumulated for chopping into smaller pieces, take the leisurely approach. Pull up a chair and chop them into a large bag or bucket, ready to transfer to the compost heap or if possible work next to the compost heap.
• Use the shredder at sociable hours, since they can be very noisy. 

For your Safety: 

• Wear gloves and goggles when operating a shredder, as protection against thorny stems and flying debris.  

• Shredders can be quite heavy so for ease and manoeuvrability, opt for a wheeled model.