by Rachel Logterman

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: July 01, 2011

Adding organic matter to the soil is an important way to ensure long-term health for your trees and shrubs. You can buy compost each year, but it is easier than you think to make your own compost. You will save money, have a supply of slow release nutrients for your plants, and it will also cut down on the amount of trash you send to the landfill. Compost also helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down, which means less watering and weeding!

Living things, like fungi and bacteria, are present in compost and are good for plants. These organisms form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, and aid in absorbing water and nutrients. The good stuff in the compost also gives plants increased pest and disease resistance and general increased health.

Composting basically takes a natural process and speeds it up. Organic matter will naturally decompose over time. By mixing, aerating, and maintaining moisture, we hasten the natural process. The end result is organic slow release nutrition for your trees and shrubs with some added bonuses.

Pick a Location:

Many people hide their compost piles away where they can't be seen. Don't be embarrassed; you are doing good things for your plants and the environment. Make your pile where is convenient for you to use. Make a bin out of fencing, wood, or brick and add a cover, and the pile can be an attractive element of your yard.

Collect the Ingredients:

You already have a free and regular supply of ingredients needed to make compost.

• Kitchen waste- Fruit and vegetable trimmings, leftovers, coffee grounds, tea bags, and pretty much anything plant based, including paper, can be used. Avoid using meat, dairy products, or processed foods.

• Yard waste- Leaves, branches, grass clippings and pretty much anything vegetative except diseased plants or weeds with seed heads. You can compost weeds or diseased plants, but the compost will have to be sterilized before using. A second pile can be used for this purpose. Do not use treated wood or herbicide treated grass clippings.

• Manure- Animal manure is a great ingredient for compost, as long as it is from herbivores. Manure from dogs, cats, or humans can spread diseases.

Start Piling:

Basically whatever you do, your pile will become compost eventually. If you want to speed up the process, follow these composting tips.

• Balance- Two parts brown to one part green. Brown would be woody material, paper, or anything dried, or dead. Layers brown and

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