5 Compost Myths Debunked

Compost or "black gold," as it is known by gardeners, is made from the decomposition of organic material. Adding compost to your garden improves all soil types. Making compost is not difficult and it should not be expensive. Here are five common compost myths. Most of these myths have their roots in advertising.

Compost Myth #1 - Containers are required.

The truth is that compost will decompose with or without a container. There is no need to purchase an expensive container. A simple way to contain compost is with a chicken wire fence or by using old pallets. If your compost pile receives unwanted visitors, you can use a black plastic garbage bag or an old garbage can with holes punched into it.

Compost Myth #2 - You need a compost starter.

Compost starters are expensive and unnecessary. If you start your compost pile so that it comes in contact with the ground, there is no need to use a starter. For compost started in a garbage bag or other container that prevents direct contact with the ground, throwing in a shovel full of old compost or mulch from the garden is all the starter you need.

Compost Myth #3 - Fertilizer is required to activate compost.

This is ludicrous. There is no reason to add fertilizer to compost. Finished compost is the perfect fertilizer. Organic matter will decompose without the use of fertilizer. Just make sure that you add a mixture of dry and wet items.

Compost Myth #4 - Additives speed up the process.

Compost additives are comparable to snake oil. They do nothing to speed up decomposition and they do nothing to improve the quality of the finished compost. High quality compost is the result of mixing a variety of garden waste, non-meat kitchen scraps including egg shells and coffee grinds, and dry material such as shredded paper and wood chipping.

Compost Myth #5 - You can have compost in 14 to 30 days.

Tumblers are not going to give you compost in 14 to 30 days, nothing will. Organic matter does not break down that quickly, even if you chop every item into tiny pieces. So if you want to use a tumbler, go ahead but it will not make compost any faster than putting it in a pile by the shed and turning it. The only advantage tumblers have over an open compost pile is that it will keep the varmints out of the compost.

Use common sense when starting a compost pile. Learn to separate compost myths from compost facts. It is all about giving back to the Earth what you take from it. When you return the garden waste and kitchen scraps back to the Earth, you are rewarded with nutrient rich compost to nourish your plants and soil.

Other Content by This Author:

Caring for Tropical Plants in Winter

A Guide to Yellow Orchids

10 Safety Tips for Installing Roof Top Christmas Decorations