The basic composting process involves collecting a loose pile of organic waste and keeping it well aerated and moist so that it decomposes fast. Most garden refuse lacks enough nitrogen to rot quickly, so nitrogen-rich materials are added to the mix to speed things up and create the right conditions for microorganisms to rot the material.

The most common materials used include cut grass, dead leaves, clippings or pruning from hedges and shrubs (the young snippets are best), and dead weeds and other plants that have been pulled up from the garden. It is best to mix green with dead materials because the greener waste decays more rapidly and helps break down the more fibrous matter.

There are various methods for creating a good compost heap, but the simplest approach is to construct the heap from layers of garden and household waste, each around 20 cm thick. On top of each layer, a thin covering of fertilizer is mixed with a generous sprinkling of wood ash dissolved in water.

Organic fertilizer is available locally from most garden shops and is inexpensive at around 60 to 80 Baht a sack. It’s a good idea to soak the amount you need for a couple of days in a container before layering it onto the heap.

In tropical environments, palm fronds are known as the slowest plants to decompose, but these can still be used if you have the time and equipment to shred or finely cut them. It is also possible to use domestic refuse, such as fruit rinds, rotten fruit, coffee grinds, tea bags, old vegetables and other discarded kitchen material. This is a convenient and environmentally sound way to productively dispose of domestic waste. However, make sure this type of material is covered immediately to prevent flies breeding on it.

As well as food, paper waste such as newspapers, office rubbish, pizza boxes etc. can be soaked in water to soften, before adding in measured amounts to a compost heap. Plastic coated paper items, however, such as brochures, cannot be composted.

You can test how the decomposition is coming along by pushing a smooth dry stick into the middle of the heap, leaving it there a while, and then touching the tip with your hand to feel the heat. It should be hot and moist but not soggy. After about 15 days the temperature usually falls to almost atmospheric range. It is at this time you should turn the compost and repeat the layering process. This kick starts decomposition and should be repeated as many times as needed. In a tropical climate, rotted material is in a sufficiently decomposed state after six to eight weeks from the beginning of the process.

Composting is an easy, all natural way to add nutrients to your garden and keep waste from overtaking the island's landfill sites.

This article is provided courtesy of Phuket Villas & Homes as part of the company's corporate responsibility programme.