Don't Feed Your Plants. Feed Your Soil!

Still not sure why your soil needs compost? Here are a few reasons:

Healthier Plants

Plants do best in soil that is teeming with microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms.  These and many, many other organisms (known as soil biota) create a soil food web that provides the nutrients that plants need to grow and thrive.  All these organisms create an environment for roots that allow for uptake of nutrients.  This is natures “fertilizer”, the ingredients the forests of the world thrive upon.

Healthy plants create their own defense mechanisms that fight diseases and parasites.  Adding compost increases Soil Organic Matter, enriching soil so plants are able to draw the necessary nutrients to defeat pests. To be considered healthy, soil requires a minimum of 5% SOM (soil organic matter). Many soils contain less than 1% organic matter, preventing lawns and gardens from becoming lush and green. Think of your checking account; withdraw $20 here, $40 there, never depositing any green. You’d be bouncing checks in no time. Soil is the same. Lawns, gardens and plants ‘withdraw’ nutrients from the soil every day in order to grow. Soil needs a steady income of vital nutrients. No steady nutrient supply = bankrupt soil and lifeless plants.

Would chemical fertilizers help?

Using chemical fertilizer is like drinking a tall espresso. You get a sudden burst of energy, but benefits are short lived - soon you’re crashing, with no energy to complete your tasks. It’s the same with soil, requiring a steady source of nutrients to build healthy plants.

Conventional chemical fertilizers supply only a few nutrients.  Like all of us, plants need a wide range, and these are all provided when the soil is alive.  Organic composts are the basis of the food web from which all life feeds either directly or indirectly. Simply put - don't feed your plants, feed your soil!

Water Savings

As the level of organic matter is built up, your soil becomes more like a sponge.  Water now soaks in rather than runs off. More air space allows more water to be held, meaning you use far less water.

This is probably one of the most important aspects of compost use.  As in many states, California is in water conservation mode right now, and using compost can reduce you water consumption by as much as 50%.  How great is that! Reduce your water bill while improving/ maintaining a lush landscape.

Improved Appearance

Applying compost to soil, lawns and gardens will drastically improve the appearance of your landscape. Amending soil with compost before planting is ideal, working it into the soil to create the perfect foundation for plant life. Of course, lawns are another matter. Lawn top dressing will renew a dull lifeless lawn without having to tear out existing turf. Simply apply a thin layer of compost (¼ to ½ inch) over the lawn surface. Work it in with a rake or stiff broom, water well and in a few days your lawn will come to life. If soil is compacted, you may want to aerate first. For all the details, click here.

Less Labor

Applying a layer of compost prevents a large percentage of weeds from germinating.  For the few that do sprout, the soft soil allows them to be uprooted easily.  If cultivating the top layer of soil is part of your normal gardening chores, you can remedy that task with a layer of compost.  Soil organisms will work the organics for you. Just sit back and smell the roses!

Improved Pest Resistance

Healthy soils create healthy plants, and healthy plants are good at resisting pests and diseases.  Using insecticides kills not only the targets species, but typically kills all the organisms in the soil.  The end result is nutrient poor soil and weak plants. The cycle continues where the weaker plants are more susceptible, more pesticides are applied, etc. We don't want to ride that cycle!

For anyone who’d like more info on compost use, visit www.GotCompost.com. You’ll find helpful compost use tips under the DIY/Homeowner tab. If you need compost for your next project you can locate a Harvest Blend Compost dealer here.

Harvest Blend Compost - Building Healthy Soil...Naturally!