Compost: Gardener's Gold

Compost is the magic elixir that brings your soil to life and keeps it alive.  Many call it "Gardeners Gold".  The path to the garden of your dreams begins with a pile of compost!

So, what exactly is this magic elixir and how can you get it?  Compost is both partially decomposed organic matter (plants and the manure of plant eating animals) and the soil dwelling microbes that do the decomposing.  Compost helps the garden by providing nutrition, improving soil structure, increasing the ability of the soil to retain water, moderate soil pH, and feeds soil organisms. 

You can either make your own compost or buy compost in stores.  High quality compost will look and feel like dark, rich soil. 

Check out these websites it you would like to make your own.

http://www2.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/gardeners-gumbo/