Why Use Organic Compost in My Garden?

Whether purchased in the nearby garden store or made by you, recycling household waste, organic compost makes an excellent, all-around fertilizer that can be used on any type of plant and brings some unique benefits. Here they are.

Compost Gives Your Plants Almost Everything They Need

The three most important nutrients that plants need to thrive are nitrogen, needed for leaf growth, phosphorous, needed for root development and potassium, needed for hardiness. Compost contains all three as well as calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc and other minerals needed for spectacular plant development. However, most plants need more nitrogen than the amount contained in compost, so it might be a good idea to supplement that element.

Compost Improves Soil Texture and Quality

Another important benefit of using compost is for the soil. Compost contains lots of fibers and other pieces of cellulose that enhance the soil’s ability to retain water and that also makes the soil more aerated, both features being essential for healthy plant development.

Soil that has improved absorbent qualities is also soil that is less sensitive to erosion, therefore the application of compost is a great way to prevent soil erosion on sloping terrain.

Compost being all-organic, it is excellent feed for the bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that live in soil and that work to make the soil fertile and without whom plants could not take nutrients from the soil. 

Reduced Irrigation Needs  

Soil that treated with compost is able to retain moisture more efficiently, which also means that it needs less additional irrigation in summer, being able to supply plants with sufficient moisture even during drought periods. Reduced irrigation needs also means that you will need to spend less money on watering your garden or plot of land.

Stronger Plants, More Resistance to Disease

The microbes so efficiently fed by compost also destroy the pathogens and contaminants that threaten plants. Compost is known to be able to bind heavy metals and they can degrade pesticides and preservatives and other harmful substances. As a result, the plants that grow in soil fertilized with compost are stronger, healthier and cleaner – an aspect of special importance in the case of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Easy to Apply

Compost is very easy to apply – all you need is to spread it on the soil in a layer that is 1-3 inches thick. Ideally, you should spread your compost before tilling to ensure that the soil in your garden beds is fertile by the time you start planting.

Safe for Your Loved Ones and the Environment

Compost is safe for the environment, and for your family and pets too. When applying organic garden compost in your garden, you can rest assured that nothing will happen to your dog if it’s tempted to sniff, dig or taste it, and they won’t do any harm do your children either in case they touch it. Also, compost does not run off into waterways as easily as synthetic fertilizers do, so it won’t harm marine life or water quality either.