The Joys Of Composting

If tropical flowers start blooming in your very British garden, don't be surprised - a significant number of UK gardeners have started seeing signs of climate change, says new research.

Seven out of ten gardeners reported that plants are blooming earlier in the year, while 56% say they are starting to cut their grass sooner or need to keep mowing later than in previous years, according to findings from a WRAP survey.

Audio: Listen to Charlie Dimmock on the benefits of composting

Supporting Compost Awareness Week (May 4-10), WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) is promoting composting as a means of cutting down on greenhouse gases - after all, more mowing means more grass cuttings.

Home composting can reduce the contents of a household bin by around 30%, while choosing to buy peat-free compost, containing recycled green materials, stops waste ending up in landfill - where it rots down to potentially create harmful greenhouse gases.

Audio: Listen to Charlie Dimmock on how gardeners are spotting climate change

Luckily, an impressive 71% of gardeners believe they could do more to help the environment by home composting or using peat-free compost that contains recycled green materials.

Everyone's favourite gardener, Charlie Dimmock, says: "More and more of us are seeing the impact of climate change in our own gardens. But the good thing is that there are lots of simple, positive things we can all do to 'green up'.

"Home composting and choosing to use peat-free compost containing recycled green materials are two simple, easy ways to help keep waste out of landfill and minimise the effect of climate change."

For more information on Compost Awareness Week, including events in your area, visit www.compostawarenessweek.org.uk