Tips on Composting

Tips on compost use

• To improve the quality of the soil, add compost. It will improve the physical condition of the soil and will increase the fertility of the soil.
• To reduce insect pests and disease infestation, add compost to the soil.
• For your garden, spread compost one inch thick
• When you use compost, you may also choose not to use any mulch.
• Produce it easily at home, just by dumping all your plant parts, lawn clipping, and kitchen waste to a trench or bin.
• If you have problem of poor water holding capacity in your garden, add compost to improve water retention capacity of the soil.
• For erosion problem in the garden, use compost on it.
• If you are in southern climate, you may need to use compost each year, as in southern climate it decomposes faster
• In northern climate, compost decomposes slow, so you need to add more compost again after 2 years or more.
• Do not use improperly made compost. If the compost is not well decomposed, do not use it, as it may contain germs and weed seeds.
• Buy vermicompost from a reputed seller only.
• If you are using mulches and amendments in your garden, use only half inch of compost
• If the supply of the compost is less, then you can side dress it. Place it around plants or rows.
• Side dressing can be best done in late spring and early summer
• In case of side dressing, work out the compost one inch away from the stem.
• For shallow rooted crops, just leave the compost on the soil.
• If you are practicing organic cultivation, then also you can use compost in your garden. But for certification, prepare your own compost or buy a compost which has been certified as organic.
• For better health of the lawn, top dress it with compost every year or two.
• Apply compost in the fall for maximum effect. You can also use it in early spring.
• Add compost to the hole made for planting seeds and seedli ngs.
• Adding compost to the hole at the time of planting is beneficial for the perennials
• For annuals, one dose of compost will be more beneficial.
• Ask for expert advice. Expert will be able to help you in case you have any problem.