Living Compost Inoculant

Most compost is treated as a product.

 

This compost is part of a system.

 

It’s made from food waste collected across Bristol, composted locally, and returned to soil within the same city.

 

Buying it supports that system.

Taking part in it builds it.

Living compost is produced in small batches, so availability changes throughout the year.

 

If you’re local, most people access compost through membership, where it builds up over time as part of the system.

 

One-off purchases are available when compost is ready.

5 Litres for £15

A small amount of living compost. Can be used as an inoculum to introduce active microbes into up to 5 square metres of soil.

 

20 Litres for £45

Suitable for beds, allotments, and ongoing soil building.

• Living compost made from Bristol food waste

• Produced through fermentation, composting, and maturation

• Rich in microbial life and organic matter

• Handled and distributed locally

 

This is not a standardised product.

 

It’s a biologically active material that continues to develop once applied.

Living compost works best when used gently and in relationship with existing soil.

 

Unlike bulk compost, you don’t need large quantities. Small, well-placed amounts can help introduce biology and improve soil over time.

 

You can:

 

• apply a light 1–2 cm layer as a top-dress
• mix 20–30% into potting mixes
• use a thicker 3–5 cm layer on tired or compacted beds
• add a handful to planting holes when transplanting

 

Water after application to help it integrate.

 

For seedlings or sensitive plants, use smaller amounts mixed through soil.

 

You can also make a simple compost extract to introduce biology in liquid form.

 

Here are three ways we recommend using our compost for best results.

Results vary depending on soil and conditions, but people often observe:

 

• improved moisture retention

• darker, more crumbly soil

• steadier plant growth

• increased earthworm activity

 

Changes tend to appear gradually over weeks rather than immediately.

 

Food waste is first stabilised through fermentation.

 

It is then composted in small batches with woody materials and allowed to mature before use.

 

The process is intentionally paced.

 

We prioritise biological development and local nutrient return over speed or volume.

Suitable for:

 

• gardens

• allotments

• raised beds

• community growing spaces

 

Can be used as:

 

• mulch

• soil improver

• component in compost teas

Delivery is available within the Bristol area.

 

Compost is packed and dispatched locally on the same day, to minimise handling and keep it biologically active.

 

Because this is a living material, timing and availability may vary.

Generation Soil is a Bristol-based community-scale organisation working to turn food waste into living compost and return it to local soil.

 

Every purchase supports:

 

• the Bristol Living Compost Project

• composting workshops

• community growing spaces

• the food forest market garden

“Excellent quality compost. Flowers and veg have really thrived.” Imogen

 

“Beautiful compost. Loads of life in it.” Jess

 

“The difference in our garden has been noticeable within weeks.” Connor

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5.0 on Google

This compost is alive with bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that support soil health.

 

Rather than feeding plants directly, it helps rebuild the soil ecosystem that plants depend on.

 

In practice, this can support:

 

• nutrient cycling

• root development

• soil structure

• water retention

 

This is not a standardised product.

 

It’s a biologically active material that continues to develop once applied.

To make a simple extract:

 

• mix 1 part compost with 4–5 parts water

• stir gently for a few minutes

• strain and apply to soil or plants

 

This introduces active microbes in liquid form, especially useful for seedlings or tired soil.

 

You can read more about this here.