Composting
Basics
Why Compost?
Composting is nature’s way of recycling and is the key
to healthy soil and a healthy environment. It is a satisfying
way to turn your fruit, vegetable and yard trimmings into a dark,
crumbly, sweet-smelling soil conditioner.
Composting:
- Saves you money by replacing store-bought soil conditioners.
- Helps garden and house plants grow by improving the fertility
of your soil.
- Saves water by helping the soil hold moisture and reducing
water runoff.
- Benefits the environment by recycling valuable organic resources,
reducing air and water pollution from refuse trucks and runoff,
and extending the life of our landfills.
The 4 “R’s” of the Green Garden
Reduce the amount of yard trimmings you make
by planting slow growing, drought-tolerant plants. Reduce pruning
by giving plants room to grow their full size. Consider reducing
lawn size.
Reuse yard trimmings by grasscycling (mowing
more often and leaving the clippings on the lawn). Mulch paths
and around trees and shrubs with fallen leaves and prunings. You
can also reuse rain water with rain barrels, rain gardens and
native plantings.
Recycle remaining yard trimmings by composting.
Restore the environment with thriving gardens.
It all starts at home!
Compost Works for You
Composting helps the environment, and it can help your garden,
yard and house plants too! When compost looks like soil and smells
sweet and earthy, it is ready to use.
In the Garden
Before planting, mix a 4" to 8" layer of compost
into newly reclaimed or poor soils. Mix a 1" to 3"
layer of compost into annual garden beds at least once a
year.
Around the Yard
Spread a 1" to 3" layer of course compost on soil
as a mulch any time during the growing season to improve
soil fertility and reduce watering needs. Do not pile mulch
on the trunk or stem of plants.
On House Plants
Sprinkle a thin layer of sifted compost on top of the soil
to provide nutrients. |
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