Compost With Fertilizer: The Perfect Pair for a Green Thumb

What is Compost?

Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed by microorganisms. It is a natural fertilizer that is rich in nutrients and improves the health of soil. Compost can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Food scraps
• Yard waste
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Manure

Benefits of Compost

Compost offers a myriad of benefits for plants and soil, including:

• Increased nutrient content: Compost is a rich source of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients. These nutrients help plants grow healthy and strong.
• Improved soil structure: Compost helps to improve soil structure by adding organic matter. Organic matter helps to loosen compacted soil, improve drainage, and increase water retention.
• Suppressed plant diseases: Compost contains beneficial microorganisms that can help to suppress plant diseases. These microorganisms compete with disease-causing organisms for nutrients and space, preventing them from infecting plants.
• Reduced environmental impact: Using compost reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Compost also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills.

How to Make Compost

Making compost is a simple and rewarding process that anyone can do. There are many different methods for making compost, but the following steps provide a general overview:

1. Gather your materials. You can use a variety of materials to make compost, but the most common ingredients include food scraps, yard waste, paper, cardboard, and manure.
2. Create a compost pile. You can compost in a pile, a bin, or a tumbler. If you are using a pile, make sure to turn it regularly to aerate it.
3. Monitor the temperature of your compost pile. The ideal temperature for composting is between 130 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Add water to your compost pile. Compost needs to be moist to decompose properly. However, it should not be so wet that it becomes anaerobic.
5. Wait for your compost to finish decomposing. The composting process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once your compost is finished, it will be dark, crumbly, and have a sweet, earthy smell.

Using Compost as a Fertilizer

Compost can be used as a fertilizer for a variety of plants, including:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Flowers
• Trees
• Shrubs

To use compost as a fertilizer, simply spread it around the base of the plant and work it into the soil. You can also add compost to your potting mix when you are planting new plants.

How Much Compost Should You Use?

The amount of compost you should use will vary depending on the type of plant you are fertilizing. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 inch of compost per square foot of garden space.

Tips for Using Compost

• Use only finished compost. Unfinished compost can contain harmful bacteria or pathogens.
• Do not over-fertilize your plants. Too much compost can burn your plants or lead to other problems.
• Compost is a valuable resource that can help you grow healthy, beautiful plants. By following these tips, you can use compost to improve the health of your soil and your plants.

Table 1: Benefits of Compost

Table 2: How to Make Compost

Table 3: Using Compost as a Fertilizer

Table 4: Tips for Using Compost

Conclusion

Compost is a natural fertilizer that is rich in nutrients and improves the health of soil. By using compost, you can grow healthy, beautiful plants while reducing your environmental impact. So what are you waiting for? Start composting today!