The Role Of Compost In Vegetable Gardening

Chemical Reasons

It is first important to understand exactly what compost is. This substance is organic matter that is added to the soil in gardens for a variety of reasons. When you ask why compost is needed for vegetable gardening, the first answer will be chemical in nature. Compost will stabilize the pH in your soil, if it is the proper mix. To understand this balance, it is best to have your soil tested to determine what the pH of your soil currently is. This way you can adjust the alkaline levels of your compost to make the pH in your soil friendly for your plants.

There is another chemical answer as to why compost is needed for vegetable gardening. Compost will add much needed nutrients to your soil, so that your plants can thrive in the soil that they are growing in. Compost is generally recognized as being high in important elements like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. It is also rich in micronutrients that are important for healthy vegetable crops.

Physical Reasons

There are also physical reasons for why compost is needed for vegetable gardening. Sometimes the physical makeup of the soil in you area is not conducive to growing lush crops. Perhaps the texture of the soil is too clay-like or too sandy to hold water well. Adding compost to the mix can adjust the consistency of your soil, so that plants will grow bigger and fuller in your garden beds. Compost can also aid in moisture retention, allowing you to grow healthier plants with lower water requirements.

So when you ask why compost is needed for vegetable gardening, the reasons are numerous and significant. The next logical question is where does compost come from? You can choose to buy the appropriate organic matter from your local nursery or garden shop or make your own with homemade or store-bought compost bins for storage. Making your own compost is a great way to help your garden grow and recycle at the same time.