COMPOST BENEFITS AND USE
Benefits
Compost contains an organic material called humus which assists the soil in holding nutrients. Humus lessens the need for chemical fertilizers and helps prevent leaching of nitrogen into groundwater. Humus rich soil also promotes healthy plants which are less susceptible to diseases and insect pests. This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Compost reduces erosion by improving soil structure.
Better drainage allows water to flow into lower soil layers,
rather than puddle on top and run off. Improved soil
structure also helps the growth of roots which hold soil in
place. Finally, compost recycles garden wastes to benefit the
environment.
Using Compost
Container Gardening
Compost can be used to make a good container gardening
medium. First, strain the compost through a sieve to
eliminate large particles. Then mix two parts compost, one
part garden loam, and one part perlite or sand. Add a
tablespoon each of phosphate and potash for each pot of
mixture. You can also substitute compost for peat moss in
other suggested potting mixtures.
Vegetable Gardening
If you produce large amounts of compost, spread about 2
inches over your entire garden annually and work it 6 to 8
inches into the soil. More than 2 inches at one time may
encourage grubs. As an alternative to compost, you can till 3
to 4 inches of shredded, uncomposted leaves into your garden
or flower bed in the fall. The leaves will decompose during
winter and enrich the soil.
If your supply of compost is small, use it with
transplants. Dig the hole for your transplant and mix a
trowel of compost into the backfill. The compost will loosen
the soil for the young plant's roots and also provide it with
micronutrients.
