Composting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus which fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. It's also free, easy to make and good for the environment.

Composting Benefits

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• Soil conditioner: With compost, you are creating rich humus for lawn and garden. This adds nutrients to your plants and helps retain moisture in the soil.
• Recycles kitchen and yard waste: Composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from the garbage can.
• Introduces beneficial organisms to the soil: Microscopic organisms in compost help aerate the soil, break down organic material for plant use and ward off plant disease.
• Good for the environment: Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers.
• Reduces landfill waste: Most landfills in North America are quickly filling up; many have already closed down. One-third of landfill waste is made up of compostable materials.

What to Compost

You can also add garden soil to your compost. A layer of soil will help to mask any odors, and micro-organisms in the soil will accelerate the composting process.

Do not compost meat, bones or fish scraps (they will attract pests), perennial weeds (they can be spread with the compost) or diseased plants.

Do not include pet manures in compost that will be used on food crops. Banana peels, peach peels, and orange rinds may contain pesticide residue, and should be kept out of the compost.

Black walnut leaves should not be composted. Sawdust may be added to the compost, but should be mixed or scattered thinly to avoid clumping.

Be sure sawdust is clean, with no machine oil or chain oil residues from cutting equipment.

Don't Forget the Fertilizer!

Shop our fertilizer collection below to add to your next compost pile and speed up the decomposition process.

Related Posts:

• How to Make an Indoor Garden Compost Bin (Vermicomposting)
• Should You Add Fertilizer to Your Compost Pile?
• Fertilizing Your Organic Garden