Compost is an environmentally friendly way to fertilize your garden. Very simply, compost is decomposed organic matter. It is an economical way to utilize common kitchen scraps. You may find this to be a chore. But, using compost in a garden is an excellent alternative to man-made chemical fertilizers additives. Compost is created by combining organic waste, such as yard trimmings, food scraps, newspaper and manure into an accessible container. These materials are placed into a ‘compost bin’. After several cycles of churning and adding bulking agents (like wood chips), the compost is ready to be used as fertilizer in your garden. The amount of time necessary to produce compost depends on the quantity of the pile, the types of materials and the number of times the pile is churned. Your local county extension office can give you guidance on this matter.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists the following benefits of mulch:
- Suppress plant diseases and pests.
- Reduce or eliminate the need for man-made chemical fertilizers.
- Promote higher yields of agricultural crops.
- Facilitate reforestation, wetlands restoration and habitat revitalization efforts by amending contaminated, compacted and marginal soils.
- Remediate soils contaminated by hazardous waste, cost effectively.
- Remove solids, oil, grease and heavy metals from storm water runoff.
- Capture and destroy 99.6% of industrial volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in contaminated air.
- Provide cost savings of at least 50% over conventional soil, water and air pollution remediation technologies, where applicable.
Will Compost Help Your Soil?
You bet. Using compost helps troubled soil by enriching them with the natural nutrients found within. The composting process also encourages the production of healthy micro-organisms (mainly bacteria and fungi) which, in turn, breaks down organic matter into healthy, moisture absorbing soil. Compost can also absorb unhealthy soil odors.
How to Use Compost in Your Garden To improve you soil?
Churn compost into your garden in the early spring. Experienced composters recommend placing compost over 3-4 inches of soil and until it is filled within the upper 6 inches of soil.
Compost can also be used as mulch around flower beds, vegetable gardens, or around trees or shrubs in landscape beds. Apply a 3 inch layer, carefully avoiding the stem or trunk of the plant.
Additional Benefits: Composting can save you money by eliminating the need for paying someone to haul away leaves in that they make great compost.