Gardening Courses

Instead of adding fresh organic matter, it’s a good idea to compost it first. How do you compost materials? You can simply pile kitchen vegetable scraps, grass clippings, shredded leaves, etc. in a corner of the garden, and wait a few years. Most of the materials will eventually decay, but in the meantime many of the nutrients will have leached out.

A better method is to add materials in layers, alternating nitrogen-rich materials such as manures and fresh vegetable scraps with carbon-rich materials like dried leaves and hay. You can build or purchase special bins or simply layer the materials in a pile. Cover the pile to keep it from getting soggy, and water as necessary to keep it moist. Turn the pile every few weeks to mix the cooler outer layer with the rapidly-decomposing "hot" interior for faster and more even decomposition.

These compost bins contain compost in various states of readiness for use in the garden.

Add as much compost to your garden as you like. Unlike the mineral part of the soil, organic matter is always in a state of flux. Organic matter provides food for microorganisms which, in turn, release its nutrients. In nature, organic matter is replenished by dying plant roots and fallen leaves; in cultivated areas, the gardener must take steps to replenish the organic matter.

This compost is ready to add to the garden, to supply nutrients and support soil organisms such as earthworms and beneficial microbes.

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