Every homeowner with a green thumb is actively looking for additives that will contribute to the health of their landscape. In their search, they will discover the many benefits of mulch, the necessity of lawn fertilization, and the importance of topsoil in terms of growth. However, every landscaping journey is sure to come across compost at some point in time. Adding organic matter and materials is the primary method of improving landscape health, as this is where both turf and plant material draw their nutrients. Compost is just that, a combination of organic matter easily found within your home and landscape. Using material that would otherwise be thrown out, is an inexpensive soil additive option that everyone should become familiar with. Here is everything you need to know about composting.
What is Compost?
This is the first question that must be asked, so we are all on the same page. Composting is the process of recycling organic waste. Compost is created through the decomposition of these waste materials, which are commonly found in your home and garden. Examples of compost components include lawn clippings, fallen leaves, small branches, dead plants, and even kitchen scraps. Any wood that is added to the mix must be shredded into very small pieces. As you can see, these materials are all inexpensive and readily available, which is what makes compost such an inexpensive soil additive.
How to Compost: Building a Compost Pile
Beginning your composting process is quite simple. Just begin gathering the aforementioned materials, and compile them in a specific spot. This could be a pile in the corner of your yard, or a bin, it really does not make a big difference. If you want to make it look more professional, you can utilize various materials to edge the area and keep the pile in a uniform area. Try not to compress this pile too severely, as it will ruin air and moisture flow, slowing the composting process. The pile should also be kept damp, not wet. Lastly, it is important to note that it takes at least six months to a year before the compost is ready to use, so steadily adds to your pile over time.
Benefits of Composting
There are an absurd amount of benefits to composting, in comparison to the little cost and effort involved in the process. The first benefit is cost, which is essentially nothing for a high-grade soil conditioner. It is non-chemical, which is friendlier to your landscape than lawn fertilizer. It helps plants grow healthily by adding much-needed organic nutrients to the soil. This is where root systems develop, and healthy plants contribute to the environment by cleaning the air. With the ability to now recycle many materials, your landscape becomes more sustainable, and it lessens waste. Compost also assists in moisture retention within your soil and can be used as a mulch in your plant beds. With the relative cost, composting is a no-brainer.
Alternative to Composting
There are other additives that can be used on your landscape, but none are as natural and organic as compost. If you are looking for an alternative to building your own compost pile, we offer a specially mixed OMRI-certified organic compost, right here at Nature’s Mulch. This saves you time, while still offering the many benefits at a certified high quality. Additionally, compost can be purchased in tandem with topsoil, with “Nature’s Topsoil.” This topsoil is premixed with compost, for the perfect soil to grow healthy plant material.