Compost

Compost improves the physical condition of the soil. It promotes soil granulation, good drainage and aeration. It is a direct source of plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Composting Materials
Plant remains include leaves, grass clippings, flower remains, weeds before going to seed, straw, hay, vegetable tops, peelings, pea pods. Shredding these materials speeds up decomposition. Avoid diseased plants, seeds sand fruit pits, weeds gone to seed, bones, fatty materials, and any plants invaded by insects. Add nutrients with a commercial fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at 3 cups per bushel of organic matter and provide oxygen by mixing the heap.

Procedure and Use
Layer plant residue for 12 inches and then garden soil at 1inch. Next a thin sprinkling of nutrients. Then a very fine sprinkling of a limestone additive. Moisten these layers and repeat the process until the heap is about five feet deep.

Use the compost as a surface mulch at a depth of 3-4 inches over the soil. When soil is light (sand) or heavy (clay) work 4-5 inches of compost into the upper 8 inches of soil as a conditioner-fertilizer.

Composting Tips

Good compost must be kept moist.

Do not keep compost too close to the
garden. Slugs thrive in moist compost and can damage the garden. Cabbage loopers and cucumber beetles winter in plant debris.

Locate compost pile in partial shade to keep moist. Cover it with black plastic film, especially if in direct sun.

Compost can be made in 4-6 months If the material is shredded, kept moist and frequently turned.