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Compost and Mulch
Composting and using mulch are not new ideas. Compost is the natural breakdown of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance that is excellent for adding to houseplants or enriching garden soil. Making your own compost is not only beneficial for your garden, but ecologically sound as leaves, yard waste, and some household waste and organic materials can be used. Mulch is a layer of material placed over soil to modify the effects of the local climate. It is used to hold in moisture, insulate from cold, and as an assist in controlling weeds. To learn more and share knowledge about compost and mulch, ask and answer questions about them here.
878 Questions
Does a compost bin need to be in the shade?
It is best to have the bin in the sun so that it gets the most heat. Heat is needed to brake down yard waste into compost.
Is chipped bamboo a good mulch for vegetables?
Chipped bamboo is a good mulch for vegetables. It should be chipped finely however, since bamboo tends to harden over time.
Can blood be used in a compost heap?
Yes. It has a lot of nitrogen, so it will heat up your pile and get it cooking.
Is raw egg yoke good for a compost bin?
Yes! Egg yokes work well and so do egg shells. Although raccoons may eat some so cover the pile tightly.
-Super Llama
What can happen if you do not compost?
if you don't compost the garbage will stay there a million years and that's even worse afriacian americian will die there because that area is is worse you,ll die there that's why you need to compost.
What conditions speed up the decay of garden waste in a compost heap?
There are three main factors that speed up the process of composting. One is the use of the properly compostable materials. Second is the meeting of the appropriatelevels of air, moisture, and temperature. And third is the regular turning of the layers within the compost bin, or of the compost pile. In fact, with the other two factors met, the more the layers are turned, the faster the breakdown into dark brown, fresh-smelling, organic matter-rich humus. The decomposition may take anywhere from just under a month to just under a year.
The controlled aerobic degradation of organics using more than one materials (Faecal sludge and Organic solid waste).
How can composting be used to recycle discarded plant and animal material?
The composting process breaks it down and it turns it into a healthy soil additive.
How is a compost bin considered self-sustaining?
That it breaks down materials in one form so that they can be used in another accounts for one reason why a compost bin is considered self-sustaining. A compost bin contains materials, such as kitchen scraps and yard debris, that no longer can or will be used in their existing forms and that may be carted off to landfills or recycled on location into soil amendments, fertilizers and mulches. It discourages additional efforts and expenses off location and, by transforming trashable materials into soil food web enhancers, encourages a continuous cycle of plant growth, product harvest, recycling as compost, plant growth, etc.
Mulch itself is not alive, however within a few weeks or days there is a lot of life working with mulch to break it down. There are different bacteria and fungi that break it down into humus (not the kind you eat) and other nutrients. This is why you have to continue to apply mulch and also why aged mulch is good to plant in.
What are the three most important reasons to apply mulch?
Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil, it keeps the soil cool, and it blocks weeds from coming up. For some people the most important reason is that it makes your flower bed look nice.
seedling compost is decomposed manure as it is higher in nutrients therfore better for planting seeds
Do you compost or mulch first?
Compost is put done before mulch. The reason lies in compost's role as a fertilizer. It breaks down and becomes part of the soil. In the process, and during rain events, nutrients are released into the soil. So there must be nothing between it and surface level. Otherwise, the nutrients may be leached or washed away.
Mulch is put down to even out soil temperatures, hold in soil moisture, and prevent weed growth. If it's organic mulch, then it also has the same role as fertilizer. In fact, compost may serve as both compost and as organic mulch.
Can you put moldy cheese in composters?
No, it isn't a good idea to put cheese in composters. Cheese is a dairy product. Along with greasy or oily foods and meat, dairy products attract foraging wildlife. Generally, once a hungry critter finds a food source, that stop becomes part of the animal's nightly routine.
Can sawdust be used in a compost pile?
Yes, sawdust can be used in compost. Anything organic can be composted, including you and other animals and paper. Cellulose is difficult to digest by your hardworking microbes so make sure to have lots of green nitrogen material mixed in with it, ie. grass clippings, manure & food waste. Make sure there is NO treated wood sawdust as this is all poisonous.
HINT, but a garden fork and leave it in the compost pile at all times. this way you will automatically turn over your mix each time you visit it. This adds oxygen, as well as blending in the microbes with the materials. HINT 2, throw a few shovel fulls of topsoil or other compost as a starter. Keep the material damp like a wrung out sponge.
Ray "the compost Guru".
What is Another name for garden compost?
Another name could also garden compost, with a sustainable garden, which is a way of gardening that keep the entire ecosystem is bound to stay awake.
one application of garden compost with good use of the seed at planting and plant care both of fertilizers and pesticides that do not harm the environment.
Can you put coffee grounds in compost?
Yes, if you want acidic compost..They are very good for azaleas and other acid loving plants.
What layer in the soil profile has the most organic material?
A is the layer of the soil profile in which most organic material is found.
Specifically, there are five layers in the soil profile. The first, A layer of organic matter claims the first two inches and contains plant debris. The second, A layer of surface soil comprises the next ten inches down. Below it will be found the third, B layer of subsoil containing aluminum, clay, iron and organic compounds and going down 30 inches; the fourth, C layer of parent rock going down 48 inches; and the fifth, final, R layer of bedrock.
First of all, you can't put in any meats (ham, turkey, roast beef, etc.),sauces (mustard, mayonnaise, dressing, etc.) , or dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk, etc.). So basically you only put in grains, fruits, and vegetables. After you put your stuff in, seal it up somehow so that flies can't get in. You will also need to put dirt in along with your food products. During the time that the food products are sitting there, they start to break down. A way that you could help with the process is putting some worms in. After your food products are all broken down you can put it in the grass or plants to fertilize.
