Composting is an age-old method of recycling organic materials such as leaves, kitchen scraps, and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to enhance your garden soils. Composting in autumn has many benefits, particularly because the cooler temperatures are ideal for producing quality compost. Autumn is also a great time to start composting because you will have plenty of fall foliage and other plant material available to use in your compost pile.

Advantages of Composting in Autumn

One of the major advantages of composting in autumn is that the cooler temperatures are ideal for producing quality compost. The microorganisms that break down organic material – like bacteria and fungi – thrive in temperatures ranging from 12-25 degrees C, making autumn an optimal time for successful composting.

Additionally, cool weather means slower decomposition which allows more oxygen to reach the microbes, resulting in higher quality compost with rich nutrients.

Another huge advantage to composting during autumn months is having plenty of fall foliage and other plant material available as feedstock for your pile. Autumn leaves are especially abundant this time of year and they contain a high level of carbon which is necessary ingredient when creating a balanced mix in your compost bin or pile. Other materials such as grass clippings and vegetable scraps can also be added to increase nitrogen levels needed for successful decomposition.

Creating the Perfect Compost Pile

The key to making quality compost is to ensure you are using the right materials in your pile and blending them in a balanced manner. When it comes to creating compost, there are two types of material that should be used: “green” (nitrogen rich) materials such as kitchen scraps or grass clippings, and “brown” (carbon rich) materials like leaves or wood chips. Both green and brown components should be added in equal parts for optimal decomposition as too much of one type can inhibit microbial activity and slow down the breakdown process.

Ensuring you have enough nitrogen-rich material is also essential when creating a successful compost pile. For every 2 parts of carbon-rich material, add 1 part nitrogen-rich material such as food waste or manure to create an ideal balance for rapid decomposition.

Make sure all organic matter being added has been chopped up into small pieces which will speed up the rate at which it breaks down in your pile due to increased surface area available for microbes to work on.

Finally, adding moisture throughout the composting process will also help promote microbial activity by keeping temperatures higher than normal levels needed for effective decomposition.

Maintaining the Compost Pile

Proper management of the pile will ensure optimal decomposition and produce quality compost for your garden soils.

Managing moisture levels is essential for successful composting, as too much water will drown out beneficial microbes that help break down organic matter while too little can lead to dry and crumbly material that won’t decompose properly.

In general, a moisture level between 40-60% should be maintained throughout the process by adding water in small amounts when needed or covering piles with tarps during rainy periods to prevent them from becoming saturated.

Aerating your compost regularly helps provide oxygen necessary for microbial activity which speeds up breakdown of materials within the pile. This can be done manually by turning over or stirring contents with a pitchfork every few weeks or using an automated system like tumbling drums which rotate periodically to evenly distribute air into the mix.

Lastly, keeping temperatures at ideal levels throughout the entire process is also key for producing quality compost; this means monitoring thermometers on a regular basis so you can adjust watering schedules if required.

By following these simple steps for maintaining your compost pile during autumn months, you can enjoy all year long healthy soil amendments made from recycled organic materials!

Conclusion

Composting in autumn is an ideal time to create quality soil amendments for use throughout the colder winter months ahead. The cooler temperatures are perfect for fostering beneficial microbial activity and providing oxygen necessary for successful decomposition.

Contact one of our lovely staff members to discuss which compost is the right one for you.

Autumn begins on the 21st of March in Australia, and continues until May. Knowing which plants are best to grow during this period can make all the difference when it comes to success in your garden.

Many popular fruits and vegetables are best planted at this time of year. Below we’ll cover some of the top fruits and vegetables you can plant, as well as some tips for tending gardens in autumn.

The Best Fruits to Plant in Autumn

Autumn is a great time for some of your staple fruits, including citrus. Popular options for autumn include:

• • Apples
  • Pears
  • Mandarins and oranges
  • Figs
  • Pomegranate
  • Rhubarb
  • Strawberries

The Best Vegetables to Plant in Autumn

Hearty root vegetables grow very well in the autumn and winter months. This is the best time of year to plant staples such as

• • Cauliflower and broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Leek
  • Lettuce and spinach
  • Cabbage
  • Snow peas
  • Swedes and turnips

Planting Fruits and Vegetables

When it comes to planting fruits and vegetables, proper soil preparation is key. Proper soil should be loose and well-draining in order to allow oxygen to reach the roots of your plants. Make sure you add plenty of compost before planting as these will help provide nutrients for your plants while also improving drainage.

Additionally, test the pH level of the soil – this is important as different crops have different needs when it comes to acidity levels.

Frost is an important consideration — both as a risk, and also a benefit to certain plants.

Young plants are susceptible to frost damage. It’s important to plant fruits and vegetables early so that they can be mature enough to withstand frost when it sets in. Hessian covers and other protective items can be placed over plants to prevent frost and frost damage.

That said, certain fruits and vegetables actually benefit from a little frost. These plants react to the frost by producing extra sugars, which in turn results in a better flavour for the harvested food.

Hardy winter crops include broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, parsnips and carrots. These will have a richer flavour if exposed to a little frost — that’s not to say bathe the plants in ice water, but you can leave them uncovered on colder nights without much worry.

Start Planting to Reap the Benefits

Planting fruits and vegetables in Australia during autumn can be incredibly rewarding with the right knowledge and preparation. Some of the most popular fruit and vegetable staples thrive at this time of year, such as citrus fruits and root vegetables.

Understanding what type of soil you have, what types of crops will work best for your climate, and how to properly store harvested produce are all essential considerations when creating a successful garden.

With a little bit of research ahead-of-time as well as regular maintenance throughout their growing cycles, you’ll soon find yourself with plentiful harvests from your autumn additions.

Reach out to our lovely staff to assist you with the right products for your garden.