Definition:
Compost is the poster child of organic matter. Compost is any kind of decayed organic matter. You can make your own or buy it by the bag or truckload. Finished compost looks like rich soil. It’s dark and crumbly with an earthy smell.
By the time the compost cooking process is complete, weed seeds, fungus spores and other undesirable elements that may have gone into your compost bin, should no longer be viable. Compost can be added to your gardens at anytime, either turned into the soil or used as a mulch or top dressing.
While it is advised that you keep perennial weeds, pesticide treated material and diseased plants out of your compost bin, most every other form of plant material is fair game.
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Garden Waster (from weeding, deadheading, pruning...)
- Vegetable Peels
- Sawdust
- Straw
- Paper
Garden Soil Tips
- What Makes Great Garden Soil?
- Making Good Garden Soil out Of Bad Soil
- Figuring Out How Much Amendment You Need
- Clay Busters - Plants for Clay Soil
Organic Gardening Tips
Also Known As: Humus
Examples: Adding a 2-3" layer of compost to the top of your garden soil each year is known as 'Top Dressing'. This layer of compost will help improve the soil, feed the plants and supress weeds.
