Living Compost
How people usually arrive here
Most people do not start by buying compost.
They start by separating food waste, visiting a site, joining a workshop, or becoming curious about what happens to food once it leaves the kitchen.
This compost exists because of that participation. Buying it is one way of supporting the wider system, but it is not the only way.
Availability
Living compost is produced in small batches and availability varies throughout the year.
If you are interested in using compost produced through this system, you can:
Delivery is currently available within the Bristol area only.
If you’re based outside Bristol and would like to explore a bespoke order, please get in touch.
How to use
Living compost works best when used gently and in relationship with existing soil.
You can:
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Apply a light 1–2 cm layer as a top-dress around beds and perennials
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Mix approximately 20–30% into potting mixes
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Use a thicker 3–5 cm layer on tired or compacted beds, keeping soil covered
Water after application to help integrate the compost with the soil. For seedlings or sensitive plants, use smaller amounts mixed through existing soil.
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What you may notice over time
Results vary depending on soil, weather, and use, but people often observe:
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improved moisture holding
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darker, more crumbly soil structure
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steadier plant growth rather than rapid bursts
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increased earthworm activity
Changes tend to appear gradually over weeks rather than immediately.
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How this compost is made
Food waste is first stabilised through fermentation. It is then composted in small batches alongside woody materials and allowed to mature before use.
The process is intentionally slow. We prioritise biological development and local nutrient return rather than speed or volume.
Where it’s used
This compost is suited to gardens, allotments, raised beds, and community growing spaces. It can be used as a mulch, soil improver, or as a base for compost teas.
Buying compost is one way of supporting the wider system that produced it.
Delivery
Delivery is currently available within the Bristol area only.
Compost is packed and dispatched locally, usually on the same day, to minimise handling and keep the material fresh. As this is a biologically active product, timing and availability may vary.
If you’re based outside Bristol and would like to explore a bespoke order, please get in touch to discuss options.
About Generation Soil
Generation Soil is a Bristol-based social enterprise working at community scale to turn food waste into living compost and return it to local soils through practice, education, and participation.
Every purchase supports the Bristol Living Compost Project, a food forest market garden, and composting workshops across the city.
Learn more:
What people have said
“Excellent quality compost. Flowers and veg have really thrived, and it’s been great at retaining moisture.” - Imogen
“Excellent scheme. Responsive to questions. Beautiful compost." - Ollie
“We received our compost a few weeks ago and are already seeing more greenery in our garden." - Oliver
“The compost we received a few weeks ago is already making a visible difference.” - Connor
Reviews
My first bag of living compost. Lovely stuff, though I think I need more instructions about how to apply it. My soil needs A&E.
This stuff is so much better than anything I’ve bought in a garden centre and the plants love it!!
My plants absolutely love this soil and it's done wonders helping to bring some completely dead borders back to life. Highly recommend Generation Soil!
Alex’s living compost has given my garden a new lease of life!
The smell of it is so natural and pure and so much better than the commercial variety!
Such rich and vital compost full of life. My plants love it and grow stronger and more healthy because of it