Green waste can work wonders for our gardens. If we mix green waste with special materials and allow it to break down we will get compost, which we can use in our gardens to make the soil more fertile.

If you decide to compost you will remove most of the waste that causes garbage to smell as it rots. So even if your garbage collection is late, you are not likely to have a smelly garbage bin. It also means that you will be putting out less garbage for collection. To make compost you must be prepared to separate your waste and pay attention to your compost heap, as it requires a certain amount of heat, moisture and turning, to break the waste down. Properly prepared compost will be dark-brown with a rich earthy smell.

composting correctly

Some of the materials used for composting are vegetable peelings, fruit pulps, egg shells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, brown and green leaves, newspaper, paper and cardboard. Not all waste materials are right for composting. Avoid plastics (they won't break down), coloured paper, cat and dog droppings, meat, fish, butter, cheese, oils and diseased plant material. Detailed instructions on preparing compost heaps can be sourced from the internet or other public sources.

There are other ways to use green waste other than composting and mulching. Green waste can also be used to make yard furniture. Instead of dumping large tree trunks, make use of them by trimming and cutting them into seats for your garden. Measure and cut the trunk to the right height, smooth the top, add some varnish and you will have some attractive, unique garden furniture.

creative uses

You can also create or decorate a walkway by cutting the trunk into thinner pieces and laying them out in a pattern of your choice. You can secure them with gravel or something more permanent like concrete. If you are skilled and creative enough you can also use tree trunks and limbs to make cutting boards and chopping blocks as well as wooden sculpture for decorative purposes.

Try planting some seeds, and cuttings from the vegetables and fruits you have already eaten and enjoyed. If you have more seedlings and plants than you need, give some to a neighbour and watch the benefits of green waste spread to your community.