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Compost is the end product of the decomposition of plant material. When plants die and rot, their carbon and nitrogen become available to other plants nearby. Composting merely speeds this process up and allows the gardener to decide where those nutrients will be used.
Composting Tips
- Do water your compost heap when it is dry; water allows the vegetable material to break down faster. The ideal level of moisture is the same as that of a wrung-out sponge.
- Do turn the contents of your pile. The circulation of air in your compost heap prevents bad odors and allows the plant waste to break down faster.
- Do shred or cut up large items before composting. Decomposition increases with increased surface area, so the compost can be used sooner.
- Do dig in food waste, or cover it with extra soil, in order to foil hungry animal visitors. Some compost bins have lids, in order to prevent scavenging.
- Do make a large compost heap, if your situation permits. Large piles have a greater ability to hold microbial heat, which assists decomposition. Small amounts of sheep or cow manure or soil may also increase the volume of the compost pile.
- Don't include meat, dairy products, grease, or dog, cat or human feces in the compost pile, especially if the compost is being used on vegetable or fruit crops. The compost will smell bad, and perhaps become a source of infection. You might also attract unwanted scavengers.
- Don't include weed seeds in the compost heap. Many weed seeds can survive even the heat in the compost pile, and will then germinate in your garden. If the weeds haven't ripened yet, they can go into the compost pile.
- Don't compost plastic or anything synthetic. These items will not break down. If you suspect that a plant is diseased, don't throw it into the compost pile. That disease might remain in the compost and infect other plants in your garden.
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