Store-Bought Fertilizer Versus Home-Made Compost

You may wonder what the different benefits are between fertilizer purchased from the store and compost humus that you make at home.  The aim of both is the same - to improve the quality of your garden, lawn, and soil - but there are differences too.

A green compost bin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many fertilizers that you purchase at your garden center contain artificial or toxic elements to make your lawn and garden look nice – but not necessarily healthier. The benefit of this type of fertilization is the ability to purchase a mix that meets the needs of your specific lawn or garden.  If your lawn is too dry, patchy, or has a lot of weeds – if your garden is weedy or plagued by pests - there is a product available that can target each problem (be aware that a pesticide is part of this solution).  If you are using a commercial mix in your garden, read all labels carefully to ensure the product is safe to use around vegetation that is going to be consumed. If it's not approved for organic gardening, you really don't want it in your food!

In contrast, when you use compost humus as a fertilizer there isn’t a lot you can do to customize the end result.  But the good thing is, you don’t really need to.  Mature compost is a process that occurs naturally, and a well-composed compost contains a wide variety of minerals and nutrients to support a wide spectrum of plant growth.  The compost contains a wide range of benefits for your garden or lawn that do not involve chemicals.

Organic compost for sale. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It will really depend on your personal preference, and your style of gardening, whether or not you use commercial fertilizer or compost.  If you like the idea of gardening organically and using compost but not the idea of making it yourself you can purchase the compost from some gardening centers, or even online.  Also contact your city’s recycling department, as they may have a program set-up that allows residents to donate food and other organic waste for composting and then share in the mature compost when it is ready.

Dynamic Composting Tips and Tricks

If you're wanting to have a successful compost, here are some helpful tried and tested tips that can help you keep your compost dynamic and growing, and avoid common composting problems:

Image via Wikipedia1. Balance the ingredients

Primarily, the basic thing you need to keep a compost heap active is the proper balance of ingredients. If you have too much of a single component, your compost may eventually die down. Remember that a compost is inherently comprised of numerous types of organic matter, and to keep it in top condition means that you must also maintain the variety of materials you put in your compost heap.

Over time, some ingredients in the compost heap may dominate the others, so make it a point to replenish your compost bin and have it checked frequently.

2. Select the right bin or container

If you choose your materials well but put them in an unsuitable container, the compost will become passive over time. Find the right fit for your compost heap and then ensure that the container itself is well-maintained, and has enough air flow, enough moisture, and other components mentioned here.

3. Dampen but don't soak

Soaking is one thing that will hinder your compost. It will either make it smelly, or drown the heat and stop the composting process (or both). The composting materials should be damp to the touch, but not so much that you can wring water out of them. Think of a damp sponge that has already been well-wrung out - that's the moisture level you want.

Image via Wikipedia4. Bacteria need air

Aeration is the complementary partner of ample moisture in your compost heap. If you provide your compost heap with enough air, the bacteria that produces humus will thrive and will help exceed your expectations of compost heap performance. So be sure your compost heap is well aerated, but at the same time don't let it dry out (see Tip #3 above).

5. Check the temperature

There is an ideal temperature for composting. Try to ensure that the compost heap maintains this temperature - otherwise the whole reaction for composting will not be sustained or completed. It helps to have a thermometer handy when you inspect your compost heap's progress. If possible, find a thermometer that is created for composting purposes. (See examples here.)

6. Have a designated area for composting

It is not recommended to have a mobile composting heap. If you can start and keep it in a single place as it grows, it will increase its chances of thriving. When you move around your composting heap too much, less reaction takes place.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your compost will stay dynamic and growing, and produce the best enhancement for your garden soil in the shortest amount of time.