Compost is a multifunctional substance in the garden. While many people consider compost to be a useful addition to garden soil, compost can be used for much more than simply adding new soil to the garden. Compost is not just soil, it's not just fertilizer, and it's not just a soil amendment. It is all of these things, and you can make it for free. Compost is Great Organic Fertilizer Those who make compost may do it to get rid of home and yard waste, but they often do it to create excellent garden soil as well. Compost is full of microorganisms and invertebrates that do wonders for your soil. It's a rich source of nutrients, including major nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus and micronutrients like manganese and iron that aren't often found in commercial fertilizers. Using Compost as Erosion Control Compost can actually act as an erosion control against wind and rain, protecting the other soil underneath. As a soil amendment, it improves the porosity of the soil, which means that rainwater will soak into the soil rather than running over compacted soil. Compost can also be used as a blanket on top of the soil or in berms along the side of a larger garden. The compost protects the soil underneath. Compost Can Act as a Mulch, Too! Rough compost is a perfect mulch. The purpose of mulch is to protect the soil from weeds, winter rains, and the elements. It also enriches the soil. Although there are some concerns that compost may spread weed seeds throughout the garden, if you make sure that you don't put any invasive plants into the bin then this should not be much of a problem. Mulch with compost on top of the soil. Using Compost as a Soil Amendment in Gardens and Containers Compost is a fantastic soil amendment. Unlike many commercial garden soils, compost is chunky, and that is a good thing. Chunks of organic material add air pockets to the soil and create places for water to trickle in. The soil becomes more open and porous and rich. If your soil needs bulk and is flat and compacted, then compost is an excellent choice for a soil amendment. Making Compost Tea What is compost tea? It's a nutritious drink for your plants, and it can also act as a natural cocktail to help plants that are struggling in the garden. Make compost tea by soaking a bag of compost in a bucket with a bubbler for several days, so that the compost tea does not become anaerobic. Then use the tea as a spray or feed it to plants as a liquid vitamin for plants that are struggling. You can also use compost tea to help new plants establish with vigor. Compost is much more than soil. It is a wonderful soil amendment, erosion control and mulch that can be used to create strong, healthy plants that will resist disease and produce well in the garden. Which of these ways will you be using your compost?
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You've made some compost. Now what do you do with it? Here are five good ideas to choose from.
Lars Handley is a Master Composter based in Dallas, Texas. Learn how you can make compost faster and more easily at his web site, Compost Instructions. Dont miss his page with a list of materials that can be composted. Ask your question about composting there, and get an answer directly from Lars.
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