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| Photo: normanack, on Flickr |
Ah compost, one of nature’s many valuable gardening
resources. I love compost and I use it in my vegetable garden every year
whether it’s from my backyard compost pile or composted manure from the farm.
There are many reasons why you too should use compost.
What Exactly is Compost?
Compost, as defined by Princeton University , is “a mixture of
decaying vegetation and manure; used as a fertilizer.” Vegetation can be
anything from leaves and grass clippings to kitchen scraps. Manure of course,
is usually cow or horse or mix of the two as is the case on my family’s farm.
Both vegetation and manure are organic materials which break
down naturally in a compost pile. The end result is beautiful, dark soil full
of nutrients that plants love to feed on. Telling the difference between
compost and screened loam is all about the smell; compost has a forest-like
smell to it.
Benefits of Compost
Compost has lots of great benefits and they are noticeable.
To get the most out of compost, apply it to the garden in late fall before the
ground freezes. This allows nutrients to work their way into the soil and
replenish it come spring and summer.
Compost isn’t a one shot deal. What do I mean? Compost
releases its nutrients over time, feeding your garden throughout the entire
growing season. Here’s a list of additional benefits in case you need more
convincing.
- Great for Amending Sandy and Clay Soil
- Helps Retain Moisture in Soil
- Produces Healthier Plants
- Produces Fruits and Vegetables with More Nutrients
- Helps Soil Retain Nutrients Longer
- Releases Beneficial Organisms
- Cuts Down on Pests
- Reduces Need for
So there you have it, the many benefits of using compost in
the garden. For more information on how to make and use your own compost, check
out this Homeowners’ Composting Guide.
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