Gardening tips for December: Build your compost heap

December is the best time to build up your compost heap for the winter

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Compost heap
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An efficient compost heap is a basic requirement in any garden. It needs a rectangular framework of timber, incorporating gaps for aeration. Raise the base off the ground with a pattern of loose bricks, the whole covered in chicken wire to discourage unwelcome intruders. The front of the structure should be readily removable, and a hat of some sort will stop the heap getting too wet. Build up the contents in layers chopped up into evenly sized pieces, and pack it all down firmly. Nature has provided you with a reliable source of the ideal liquid nitrogen activator, for discreet application.

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