Build your own compost heap or try a compost bin – they are compact and ideal for a small to medium garden

Site on a level, well drained spot ensuring that any excess water can drain away easily. This helps worms get in – they make the perfect waste disposal unit!

Worms will eat the waste material you put in and convert it into liquid feed and compost

Vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, grass cuttings, plant prunings and fallen leaves are perfect

These breakdown fast and produce nitrogen and moisture

A cared for compost heap requires regularly turning to help aerate and mix the waste – this leads to faster composting

You can encourage the correct enzymes by using a compost activator such as ‘Vitax Compost Maker’

When the compost is ready you’ll have a dark brown soil layer at the bottom of the compost bin, rich in nutrients

Spread on flowerbeds or add to pots to improve the soil quality. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds as well as reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides