94,129
edits
Changes
no edit summary
Compost is a dark, crumbly mixture of decomposed organic matter, such as grass clippings, leaves, and thin twigs.
===How Does Composting Work?===
===How Does Composting Work?===
==What does compost actually do?==
==What does compost actually do?==
* It helps fertilize the garden
* It improves soil structure by increasing the aeration process and adding much needed texture
* It fertilizes the garden
* It improves soil's water-holding capacity, especially important to new plants or in arid climates
* It improves soil structure, aeration & texture
* It improves soil's water-holding capacity
* It helps sandy soils retain moisture
* It helps sandy soils retain moisture
* It loosens clay soil
* It loosens clay soil by adding components that keep the soil broken apart
* It provides food for micro organisms
* It provides food for micro organisms
* It acts as a mulch
* It acts as a mulch
The nitrogen, air, and water provide a favorable environment for the microorganisms to make the compost. A small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can add sufficient nitrogen to the compost. Nitrogen fertilizers can be purchased at many hardware stores, feed stores, or nurseries.
The nitrogen, air, and water provide a favorable environment for the microorganisms to make the compost. A small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can add sufficient nitrogen to the compost. Nitrogen fertilizers can be purchased at many hardware stores, feed stores, or nurseries.
Air is the only part which cannot be added in excess. Too much nitrogen fertiliser can kill microbes; too much water causes insufficient aeration in the pile. Turning the pile helps with aeration.
Air is the only part which cannot be added in excess. Too much nitrogen fertiliser can kill microbes; too much water causes insufficient aeration in the pile. Turning the pile helps with aeration. Aeration is vital because the organisms in the compost are aerobic which means they need air in order to do their jobs.
==Biology==
==Biology==