Spring Garden Projects Made Easier With Mulch And Compost At Ararat Transfer Station

Spring gardening is underway, and Ararat Rural City Council is reminding residents that bags of mulch and locally made compost are available through the Ararat Transfer Station. Compost can also be purchased by the cubic metre for larger projects.

Council produces the compost in partnership with Gaia EnviroTech. Green waste collected across Ararat Rural City is processed at the transfer station and turned into compost that can be used in local gardens.

Local resident Tag Lewis has seen what the compost can do on her property. In a 30 by 30 metre trial plot with little topsoil, Tag used Council’s compost to grow vegetables and flowers through a dry season. Her results included corn reaching 3.5 metres tall, along with pumpkins, watermelons, and more than 20 varieties of sunflowers.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer Phuong Au said spring was an opportunity to put a locally made product to use. “It is lovely to see residents making use of something produced from the green waste collected in our own community,” Ms Au said.

“Whether you are preparing a small garden bed or planning a larger project, there is an option to suit. Tag’s garden is a wonderful example of what people can achieve when they give their soil some care.”

Compost costs $5 per bag or $80 per cubic metre. Delivery within the Ararat Rural City municipality can be arranged, and collection is by appointment. Residents can place an order or ask about mulch and bulk quantities by calling Council’s Customer Service team on 5355 0200, or visiting the Ararat Transfer Station.