How to Use Compost in the Garden to Combat Intense Heat and Drought

With inconsistent rainfall and record-breaking heat becoming a new norm, regular composting could be the boost your garden needs

There is no way to sugarcoat the challenges many of us in the Mid - Atlantic realm have look this summertime . The mutual exclusiveness of rainfall and the extreme mellow temperature have greatly impacted our efforts to garden successfully . Even with valorous cause to apply subsidiary irrigation , I have witnessed a wide-cut range of plant material showing sign of drought stress that I have rarely witnessed in my 15 - plus geezerhood of gardening in this region . To say it is grounds for concern would be an understatement . As a result , in the last few months I have been repeatedly asked how we can prepare our beloved garden to reduce heating and moisture stress for future growing season . One solution to this conundrum is to total organic matter to the dirt in the signifier of compost .

What is compost?

According to theUS Composting Council , “ Compost is the product manufactured through the controlled aerobic , biological decomposition of biodegradable material . The product has undergone mesophilic and thermophilic temperature , which significantly reduces the viability of pathogens and sess seeds and steady the carbon such that it is good to plant emergence . Compost is typically used as a soil amendment but may also put up plant nutrients . ” That is a very proficient definition to describe what I wish to refer to as plant material that has break down past the point of acknowledgment from its original phase .

After my initial answer of adding compost , the frequent comply - up inquiry is , “ What are the benefits of adding compost to our grime ? How does this in reality help ? ”

How does it work?

Plants develop in healthy dirt that offer the all-encompassing range of nutrients needed to thrive are much more resilient and can suppress cuss and diseases . In this face , think of compost as an resistant booster . Similar to human wellness , if a plant ’s immune system is thriving and participating it can ward off detrimental invaders . Compost is the plant life tantamount of human probiotics . Compost provides the basic building blocks that patronage the soil biome and produce an environment that is idealistic for beneficial fungi , bacterium , and macro- and microorganism to thrive . All help in create a living ecosystem that indorse plant wellness .

Adding compost improves the soil ’s cation exchange capacity ( CEC ) , which is the measure of how many positively charged ions a soil can lay in . In other words , CEC is basically the soil ’s ability to hold nutrients and provide an environment where nutrients are uncommitted for flora uptake . labored clay soils have a very high CEC , thus are high in nutrient . Sandy stain are low on the CEC scale and lack the ability to contain nutrients in suspension . But both soil type will benefit from contain organic matter . threatening the Great Compromiser soils have very tight hamper , so besotted in fact that nutrients are strongly adhere to soil particles and not well uncommitted for plant uptake . Conversely , flaxen soils have very watery bonds , and water moving through the soil social class will launder or percolate nutrient away . Compost incorporation will loose Bond in clay grunge and fortify bonds in sandy soils .

Incorporating constitutive subject balances a soil ’s pH stage . Soil pH denote to the acidity or alkalinity of grease on a logarithmic weighing machine , with most ornamental plant prefer a pH chain of mountains of 6.5 to 7.5 . Within this range , macro- and micronutrients that plant swear on are usable for consumption through their root system . When pH reading are outside of this mountain range , nutrient availability is limited . Compost generally has a pH meter reading between 6 and 8 , so you could gradually increase or minify a soil ’s pH bet on subsist grade .

increase H2O - holding capacity is also a major benefit of adding constituent affair . Compost act as a sponge ; it has the unique ability to hold large quantity of body of water when compared to its atom size . Thus , increase the amount of compost in your soil increase its water system - holding content .

As the compost conversation continues , I needs get asked : “ How do you integrate compost into your soils ? ”

How do you incorporate compost into soil?

When establishing a Modern garden area or bed , spread out 3 to 4 column inch of compost over the entire surface , then mix the compost into the grunge as deeply as possible via mechanically skillful or physical mitt tilling . In established or implant beds where tilling is not an selection , merely adding the 3 to 4 inches of compost on the airfoil yearly will achieve the desired effect in a few years ’ time . Even adding several smattering of compost to your container mix when implant up mickle can have a substantial impact on watering frequency , and top - dressing lawns with ¼ to ½ inch of compost and skim it in will help shin grass .

If you are not a fan of the aspect of traditional compost as a mulch , not to worry . Traditional mulching materials such as Ellen Price Wood chips or shredded hardwood will also help to the increase of constitutive thing in your gardens . As a rule , the more broken down the mulching material is the faster it will incorporate into your land . gravid wood buffalo chip break down slowly and will take much longer to incorporate into your soil , but the benefits will encounter over time .

This approach is not a one - and - done solution . Yearly applications are commend to ease the go along cycle of constituent affair incorporation . And as with any effort to increase land health , it is advisable to get a sentience of your jump - off decimal point . A basic soil test that can be purchase via your local university extension bureau or garden center can provide a strong service line to guide your efforts . CEC , pH , and canonic nutrient info are provided in the soil test results .

Although not a fast fixing , compost is an extremely environmentally favorable approach to promote soil wellness and in turn greatly increasing our plant ’ ability to resist environmental stresses in the years to come . After all , many of us green thumbs know that good thing fall to those who are persevering and patient .

The Science of Garden Soil Health: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Garden Growing

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Get Serious About Compost: How to Make More, Better, Faster

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plant with compost around the roots

When added to the garden regularly, compost is an excellent soil builder that helps boost your garden’s resiliency and water retention. Photo: Carol Collins

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compost system utilizing three bins

Compost consists primarily of two main components: brown and green material. Green material consists of veggie scraps, fresh leaves, and garden debris, while brown material includes dry leaves, hay, and wood shavings. Photo: Mark Dwyer

Soil pH chart showing the best soil pH for various plants

Soil pH normally falls in the 4.5 to 9.0 range. As the pH level changes, so does the balance of nutrients. In the chart above, the wider the bar, the more available the nutrient.

adding compost to a plant

When it comes to adding compost, there really is no wrong way to do it except to overdo it. Whether you’re mixing into your soil or adding a layer to an existing bed, be careful to not add too much compost, which can lead to excess nutrients. Photo: Steve Aitken

compost incorporated into soil

While larger pieces of plant material will take longer to break down, garden litter or mulch on the soil surface is beneficial. Without too much effort, you are adding a constant supply of nutrients to your soil. Photo: Carol Collins