Ready, Set, Compost! As we get ready for spring in the garden, organic gardeners everywhere turn to compost!
Why compost?
Compost feeds the soil that feeds your plants. It's full of slow-release nutrients and billions of microorganisms that stimulate plant growth and help plants resist disease. Compost also improves soil texture, allowing it to hold more water.
How do I use it?
In spring, our top three ways to use compost are:
Make your own! All you need is approximately equal volumes of brown materials (high-carbon stuff like dried leaves, shredded newspaper, and straw) and green (high-nitrogen materials like grass clippings, weeds, and kitchen waste). Learn how to build your own compost pile with this article from Spotts Garden Service.
Alternatively, you can buy compost. Choose compost that looks dark brown and crumbly, like really good garden soil. If you need a lot, buy it in bulk rather than in bags.
Stop by the Spotts Garden Service table at this week's market to ask your garden questions and talk compost. They will also have seeds for sale!
Why compost?
Compost feeds the soil that feeds your plants. It's full of slow-release nutrients and billions of microorganisms that stimulate plant growth and help plants resist disease. Compost also improves soil texture, allowing it to hold more water.
How do I use it?
In spring, our top three ways to use compost are:
- Spread it in kitchen garden beds before planting.
- Side-dress your plants. As shrubs and trees start budding (in April), put a ring of compost around the stem of the plant and gently scratch it into the soil. Don't put it up against the stems, though.
- Add compost to the bottom of planting holes when you divide perennials or when you plant annuals. Add some to your container gardens too.
Make your own! All you need is approximately equal volumes of brown materials (high-carbon stuff like dried leaves, shredded newspaper, and straw) and green (high-nitrogen materials like grass clippings, weeds, and kitchen waste). Learn how to build your own compost pile with this article from Spotts Garden Service.
Alternatively, you can buy compost. Choose compost that looks dark brown and crumbly, like really good garden soil. If you need a lot, buy it in bulk rather than in bags.
Stop by the Spotts Garden Service table at this week's market to ask your garden questions and talk compost. They will also have seeds for sale!
