The secret to blooming success in the garden is simple – compost. And according to the 4017’s very own master composter, Nook Sangwan, good compost is something any home gardener can achieve.
Speaking to the Sandgate Guide ahead of Composting Awareness Week, Nook said there were multiple benefits to making “black gold”.
“Compost improves the soil in your garden, boosting the amount of microorganisms, and it helps reduce food waste,” she said.
“In Brisbane, 50 per cent of what goes into our red wheelie bins each week is food and garden waste. That would be much better used for compost.”
Nook has been composting at home for “many years” and now runs the composting hub at the Gumbuya Community Garden next to the Sandgate PCYC.
After a course with Brisbane City Council, she is now a certified Master Composter, and in 2024, received the Laurie Jeays Award for Contribution to the Preservation of our Environment from Federal Member for Lilley, Anika Wells.
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“Composting is very easy, and everyone can do it, depending on the space you have at home,” Nook said.
“For smaller gardens, or people in townhouses, you can get a tumbler-style compost bin, or even a worm farm.”
Nook is also working with local businesses, including Elvy’s Café and Deagon’s Friends and Flowers Café, to collect coffee grounds for composting at the community garden.
“When coffee grounds and other food waste goes into landfill, it’s not aerated, which is why it produces all that greenhouse gas,” she said.
“But to take that and put it into the compost bin, aerate it, and turn it back into something for your garden, it’s much better than ending up in landfill.
“A successful composting journey can help your garden and the environment. It’s a small thing that can have a big impact for the world.”
Nook added she was passionate about sharing her love of gardening and compost with the community.
“I’m here to help people, gardening is my happy place, and if people have questions, please reach out and ask,” she said.
Compost Awareness Week runs from May 3-9. Learn more here.
Nook runs regular composting workshops at the community garden. To find out dates and times, email Nook at gumbuyabooking@hotmail.com.
Brisbane City Council offers rebates for residents looking to start composting at home. Find out more information here.
Find out about the Master Composter course here.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
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