A successful garden starts with good soil. The key to achieving better soil is incorporating organic matter. The type of organic material most commonly used by gardeners is compost. Here’s a look at what compost is and the benefits it has for your garden.

What is compost?
Compost is decayed organic material in a humus-like state. Composting is the natural process in which micro-organisms and macro-organisms break down this organic material into soil amendment. Over time, hard unusable organic material like leaves, plant clippings and food waste turn into rich usable additive that can turn your existing soil into a rich environment full of beneficial life to promote plant health and vigor.

The Benefits
Among its numerous benefits, compost improves soil structure and plant growth by…

• Replenishing the soil’s organic matter and storing nutrients in plant-available forms, so plants can grow stronger.
• Supporting beneficial soil organisms and life.
• Reducing erosion and water run-off.
• Loosening clay-like soils and increasing soil porosity for better root development.
• And in sandy soils, retaining moisture so that plants need less water.
• Repairing contaminated soils, including soils that have been damaged by prior pesticide use.

Applications for Compost

New Garden Beds: In new garden beds, spread a 2-4 inch layer of compost and mix into the upper 6-12 inches of existing soil. Use more in sandy soils and less in clay-like soils. Reapply ½-1 inch every year.

Existing Bed: Spread a two-inch layer of compost over the entire bed. Utilize a compost that is lightweight and crumbly. If you’re worried about self-seeding plants not coming up through the compost, apply a thinner layer in these areas. Keep fresh compost one inch away from contacting the stems or trunks of any existing trees and shrubs.

Mulch: Spread a one to two-inch layer of coarse, woody compost. For proper airflow, do not pile mulch around the stems of trees and shrubs. Pull mulch away from stems in a saucer shape.