Save money and space in the garden with this easy, compact composting method

When you're lacking garden space, it can feel like some aspects of gardening aren't possible for you, and making your own compost might be one of them.

Making your own compost usually means finding space for a large bin or building a heap yourself in a far-off corner of the garden. But if you're limited to only small garden ideas, having a large bin or a dedicated space for a heap isn't an option. However, don't give up on the sustainable garden idea just yet, as there is a way to make composting work for your space.

Expert garden writer Simon Akeroyd (@simonakeroydgardenwriter on Instagram) has shown just how customisable composting is and how easy and affordable it is to make your own compost no matter what your garden looks like.

Whether you're looking for ways to reduce costs in the garden or are giving the rewilding trend a go, making your own compost is a surprisingly simple and rewarding task. All you need to start is a crate or plastic box that fits your garden space.

"Buying compost can be expensive, but it is easy to make your own compost. You need a box with holes; add 50% green materials such as veg scraps and grass clippings, which are nitrogen-based," starts Simon.

"Then add 50% brown materials such as paper, leaves and cardboard for carbon, then just mix once a week. Occasionally add water if it's dry and place a lid on it to keep out wildlife," he continues.

If you want to stop rats coming into your garden, no matter how big or small it is, it's incredibly important you seal your compost bin as the food scraps are the perfect invite for them.

If you avoid the common composting mistakes, you won't have to wait long for it to be ready to use, and you won't have to spend a penny.

"After a few weeks or months, gorgeous compost. You can sieve it if you want a finer compost for seed sowing; it's easy, free and a great way to recycle," Simon points out.

One Instagram user comments that this method has worked for her even though she has a balcony garden.

She says, "I’ve done this for a couple of years now on my balcony (I live in a big city, so don’t have a garden). I have one large plastic pot where I put vegetable scraps, leaves and cuttings from my plants, and branches and sawdust, etc. In another large plastic pot, I put the compost from the first pot, which has mostly turned into soil. I have the two pots under a bench/storage thing I built."

Now you know nothing is stopping you from making your very own compost.

Want to go a step further in your sustainable gardening journey? You can learn the different ways to reuse compost in your garden, so when it's out of nutrients, it's still being put to good use.