Compost

We are lucky to have access to some of the best and least expensive compost material in Dane County. Decomposed leaves from the fall leaf curbside pick‐up may contain a few undesirable artifacts (weed seeds), but the less acidic (higher pH) leaves from the dominant deciduous trees in our area are rich in organic matter and plant nutrients. Since the BCG is situated on land that was farmed hard for many decades and subsequently allowed to grow up in invasive species such as buckthorn, the soils are fairly depleted in organic matter and nutrients. The quickest way to restore the tilth and nutrient levels of these soils with natural materials is to incorporate lots of nutrient‐rich organic matter. While the most convenient time to do this is at the beginning of the gardening season, small amounts can be added between rows and when replanting throughout the season.

Learn more about different ways to compost in your plot here.

Incorporating compost into soil dramatically improves the soil structure of almost any type of soil. Soil with good structure allows air to penetrate and holds moisture well but allows excess water to drain away. Tender young roots also have an easier time penetrating into the soil.

Compost adds nutrients to soil. Compost contains a variety of the basic nutrients that plants require for healthy growth. In addition to the main three: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, of special importance in compost are the micronutrients such as manganese, copper, iron, and zinc. In a commercial fertilizer, such as 10‐10‐10, micronutrients are often missing.

Compost acts as a slow release fertilizer. Compost is made up of different ingredients, some of which rot more rapidly than others. As a result, nutrients are released over a long period of time. Adding compost to your soil breaks down over time and provides Nitrogen to your garden.

Compost attracts earthworms and provides them with a healthy diet. The presence of earthworms, redworms, centipedes, sow bugs, and other soil critters shows that compost is a healthy living material. The presence of these decomposers means that there is still some organic material being slowly broken down releasing nutrients as foods pass through their digestive tracts.

Soil treated with compost tends to produce plants with fewer pest problems. Research is showing us that compost helps to control diseases and insects that might otherwise overrun a more sterile soil lacking natural checks against their spread.

Soil pH also benefits with the addition of compost. When mixed into the soil, compost helps keep the pH at optimum levels for nutrient availability.