Composting Guide

Why should you compost? 

According to the USDA, Americans waste an average of 30-40% of their food supply. This is over 400 pounds of food waste per person each year, making food waste the single most common material sent to landfills. When food waste is sent to landfills, it is unable to properly decompose and releases high amounts of emissions into the atmosphere. 

By composting, you can prevent food waste from going to the landfill and create a healthy soil additive! This creation will not only improve soil health through improving structure, increasing water retention, and preventing erosion but will also reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Why wait?! 

Choose your method:

Aerobic CompostingDirect CompostingVermicomposting

What can I use my compost for?

  1. Soil Amendment: Spread about 2-3 inches of compost across your garden bed and mix it into the top 6 inches of soil.
    • The compost will provide nutrients and increase the soil’s ability to hold and drain water efficiently. 
  2. Top Dressing: Spread a thin layer of compost on top of empty garden beds in Spring/Autumn and allow the rain to do the work!
    • This can also be done to heavy-feeding plants during the growing season (AKA “side dressing”). 
  3. Revive Potting Mix: Add compost to the top of your potted plants or mix it in when repotting. Aim for 30% compost and 70% potting soil. 
  4. Mulch to Control Weeds: Spread 1-3 inches of compost across your garden in Spring/Autumn
    • Compost mulch will restrain weeds and shield your soil. 
  5. Make Compost Tea: Apply to the foliage or roots of plants to improve health, enhance soil, and resist pests.
    • The easiest way to make compost tea is with a 5-gallon bucket of non-chlorinated water and a shovel full of good compost. Simply mix the two, stir vigorously, and let it sit for about a week (stirring once or twice a day). When you are ready to use, strain the compost from the water. 
  6. Boost New Plants: Before backfilling your planting holes, add a little compost to the soil you removed and blend it in well.
    • This can help plants adapt more easily to their new homes and encourage fresh growth! 
  7. Perk Up Your Lawn: For established lawns, spread a half-inch layer of finely sifted compost over your grass. Rake gently to ensure it is evenly distributed.
    • This application will reduce the need for fertilizer and can lower your lawn’s watering needs. 
  8. Kickstart Your New Lawn: Spreading 1-3 inches of compost on your bare soil before planting grass or clover will help your new lawn take root faster.
    • For best results, mix the layer of compost into the top few inches of soil. 

More Composting Resources:

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