What Is Compost And Do I
Need It?
By Anthony Tripodi
Some people
think compost is a just a bunch of manure. Others think it's
what happens to your body when you die and get buried: "My
Uncle Joe died last year, and his body has been de-compostin'
ever since."
Compost is
defined in the dictionary as "a mixture of decaying
organic matter, as from leaves and manure, used to improve soil
structure and provide nutrients." That's a great definition,
but it really doesn't tell the whole story. It should say, "Compost
is the greatest thing ever!" Well, the dictionary probably
won't ever say that — but I will.
The circle of life
Compost is created when yard and food waste decomposes. Micro-organisms
and invertebrates (also known as little buggers) feed on the
waste, live their brief lives, reproduce, die — and then
they become waste, too. This repeating cycle is how the soil
gets its nutrients replenished. Like Mufasa said, "We
all have our place in the circle of life." When it comes
to compost, it’s just a very small circle.
Compost will happen on its own without any help from man. Look
down at the ground in a dense forest. The leaves fall from the
trees and decompose. This creates a rich soil that in turn feeds
the trees. Compost happens naturally and has been since the dawn
of time.
But man has figured out how to speed up the process. By mixing
the right ratio of greens (grass clippings, coffee grinds, food
waste, etc.) with the right ratio of browns (leaves, hay, shredded
newspapers, etc.) and keeping the pile moist and well aerated,
you will create compost much more quickly than nature.
Why compost?
Are you still asking what's the big deal about compost? Add some
of this stuff to your garden bed and you'll know. Your plants
will grow bigger and more healthy. Sure, you could add fertilizers
and get the same results — for now. You see, synthetic
fertilizers eventually break down and after a few years will
leave the soil salty. At some point, you won't be able to grow
anything without lots of that fertilizer (they planned it that
way to sell you more). It's like raising a crack baby at that
point — well, maybe not that bad … But you get
the idea.
Adding compost
to the soil is creating healthy soil. You're doing what nature
is already trying to do, but you’re doing
it faster and more efficiently.
Compost is not only great for your plants, but it's great for
your soil and even for the environment. It is said that in the
United States, 30 percent of all garbage is lawn and garden waste.
Instead of putting those leaves and grass clippings out at the
curb, compost them. This would not only cut down on the space
needed in landfills but make everyone's gardens grow bigger,
healthier and less dependent on synthetic fertilizers.
Hopefully, you're ready to build or buy a compost bin and get
started. Remember that nature is going to decompose your yard
waste at its own pace anyway. Why not lend a hand and speed up
the process?
© Anthony
Tripodi
Anthony
Tripodi is the webmaster of WatchItRot.com, The Compost Guide.
Visit for more information about compost, including
ideas and equipment.
