What Are The Benefits of Composting

Make a Compost Pile

Did you know that if you add compost to the soil in your yard – regardless of whether your soil is sand or clay – you will save water? According to our local water control and improvement district, you can save between 30 to 50% of the water you would regularly use which can make up as much as 50% of your summer water bill.

How does compost help you save water in your landscape? Organisms – the living ingredients are what you must have in your soil to hold water. Bacteria, fungus, protozoa, nematodes( the good ones) are some examples of organisms that help you save water. They live in the spaces between soil particles and are made up mostly of water. The organisms digest carbon products and use nitrogen to create enzymes to break down matter.

Protecting these microscopic organisms and adding them to your soil as part of good compost is what helps you save water. Using compost also reduces the amount of fertilizer and pesticides needed to produce healthy plants, and it is cheaper than artificial soils.

You can buy compost or you can make your own in your backyard. Making your own compost can save money. Composting leaves from one mature tree is equal to $50.00 of purchased compost/mulch. If you buy compost find a reputable dealer who sells compost with fresh ingredients. If you buy from the local chain your compost may have been sitting on the shelf for some time.

If you want to start your own compost pile here is a link with more in-depth information about composting and some simple containers you can make yourself. Visit http://www.stopthedrop.org/compost/index.html If you are not handy you can check out your local garden or hardware store and buy a ready-made composter.

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