How To Use Compost For Vegetable Gardening

What is Compost?

Compost is partially decomposed plant material that is mixed in with soil, and it is incredibly rich in organic matter so as a result it will help to improve the soil structure in your garden. Compost can be mixed directly into the garden soil or you can choose to use it as a mulching material that is mixed with the soil after the growing season.

There are a ton of different benefits that will come from your using compost with your vegetable gardening, one of the most major being that it is valuable as a soil conditioner. Compost works by increasing the water-holding capacity of the soil, thereby reducing the frequency that you need to water.

You can either go out and purchase compost or you can create your own with a simple method, as all you need to do is construct a pile of alternating layers of organic waste material and soil, keeping the pile moist and then add a mixed fertilizer to speed the composting process here. Remember to build your compost pile in an out-of-sight location, and you can build it on an open ground or in a bin made of cinder block for instance, whatever is going to be easiest for you.

Spread a layer of organic matter about 6 inches deep and then add a cup of mixed fertilizer to each 10 square feet of surface, then finish it off by adding 1 inch of soil and enough water to moisten, but be sure not to overdo it. Make the top of the pile concave to the ground so that it will be able to catch rainwater and therefore the plant roots will get as much water as possible. Also remember that heat helps with the decomposition so if you make the compost pile for your vegetable garden in the fall then the decomposition will be slow until spring and summer.

Vegetable gardening can be a lot of fun and not only that but you can produce all the vegetables that you need for you and your family. It is just important that you take every step possible towards creating the very best vegetable garden that you can.

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