Compost Magazine

Composting tips, advice and science.

Compost News

From growing cabbages in poo to the secrets of effective home composting, we cover both the most interesting (and sometimes pretty weird!) and useful news for composters.

Woman pots a plant on using compost. images.unsplash.com

Scientists Warn Against Peat Use in Gardens: ‘Problematic’ for Environment

9th April 2023 Peat usage in gardening is “problematic” for the environment, according to environmental scientists. When used in pot-based gardening, peat can improve the soil’s water retention while also increasing the drainage capacity, creating an ideal condition for plants to thrive. Peat is also lightweight and does not lose much volume inside the pots. …

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Carrots lying on a small mound of compost.

Compost Is Secret To Growing More Nutritious Veg Says New Study

5th April 2023 In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have discovered that using compost can significantly improve both the growth and nutritional quality of vegetables, specifically carrots. The scientists behind the study were experimenting with a compost that had been made at high temperatures.  The compost used in the study contained the bacteria Baccillus, a …

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Eco-Friendly Transformation: California Temple Beth Israel’s Composting for Local Farms

2nd April 2023 Southern California’s Temple Beth Israel is taking sustainability to new heights by converting its once decorative lawn into a thriving farm estate, all fertilized by their own compost. Collaborating with the local nonprofit Uncommon Good, the Reform Synagogue has transformed a 6,250-square-foot area into a flourishing farm that produces organic vegetables for …

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Compost boxes on shelves against a brightly coloured wall. Part of a USDA funded scheme.

US Gov Allocates Millions for Compost Programs: Is Yours Eligible?

2nd April 2023 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating millions in funding to support community and municipal composting programs across the US. The department is keen to spread the word to people setting up innovative composting projects around the USA, and recently reached out to Compost Magazine to help spread the word.  …

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New York-Presbyterian Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University and Cornell University, is the largest hospital and largest private employer in New York City and one of the world's busiest., tags: mayor mandate - CC BY-SA

New York Rat Wars: Mayor Issues Composting Mandate To Combat Furry Rodents

1st April 2023 On March 27, in a bold move to take down New York City’s furry foes, Mayor Eric Adams unleashed a composting mandate aimed at annihilating the city’s rat population. First to feel the rat-fighting wrath of the mandate is Queens, where residents will receive a three-month crash course in waste management and …

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Wood chips in compost.

Researchers Unveil Secrets to Effective Home Composting

30th March, 2023 Bulking agents key to effective composting – scientists identify the best ones to use As global warming and waste management continue to dominate headlines, a team of Greek researchers has identified some of the keys to efficiently transforming food-waste into quality compost within just 21 days.  The research highlights the urgent need …

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Peatlands Destruction Continues As UK Government Bows to Professional Growers

24th March 2023 The UK government has faced criticism for its “bitterly disappointing” decision to delay a ban on peat-based compost for the professional horticulture market until 2030. While the ban on peat-based compost for private gardeners is set to go ahead in 2024, environmental campaigners have slammed the delay in the professional sector ban, …

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Colorado city view.

Colorado Contamination Crisis: A1 Organics Limits Accepted Compostable Materials

19th March 2023 Starting April 1, A1 Organics — Colorado’s largest recycler of organic materials — will only accept food waste and yard trimmings as compostable materials, and the University of Colorado Boulder will follow suit. A1 Organics said it has been dealing with contaminated items and is limiting those it can receive, even though …

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