Article Categories
» Arts & Entertainment
» Automotive
» Business
» Careers & Jobs
» Education & Reference
» Finance
» Food & Drink
» Health & Fitness
» Home & Family
» Internet & Online Businesses
» Miscellaneous
» Self Improvement
» Shopping
» Society & News
» Sports & Recreation
» Technology
» Travel & Leisure
» Writing & Speaking

  Listed Article

  Category: Articles » Home & Family » Gardening » Article
 

Soil Plus Compost Equals Lush Healthy Plants




By James Ellison

You find that your plants are giving you fits in your landscape because it seems like a parade of weeds, insects or diseases have invaded and taken over. The problem is probably not due to insects or diseases but the poor soil that the plants are in. This poor soil is the major cause of invading insects and/or plant diseases.

With the poor soil comes weak and unhealthy plants that are more likely to get insect or disease problems. By improving the soil with compost, either before or after planting, will create a big difference. Anytime is a great time to add compost.

Compost is made of rich organic matter, which is crucial to growing healthy and fruitful plants. It is the result of a natural process of decay and recycling of materials such as leaves and twigs. In every corner of the world, in every meadow, forest and wetland composting is taking place. By copying this process, our plants will reap the benefits also.

The major benefit of compost is that it binds water and nutrients in reserve, freeing them when plants need it the most. It holds double its weight in water, hence cutting back the need to water and increasing a plants capacity for our dry months.

Utilizing compost is an inexpensive way to better the soil. Compost cuts the need to fertilize since it's rich in plant nutrients and slowly discharges them over time. And by not having to replace plants every year and the costs connected with plants that die because of poor soils.

Humic acid is a plant-growth stimulant found in compost. Vegetable crops tests show that humic acid, even in low concentrations, produces healthy, lush plants.

Creating compost is an easy task. With all of the grass clippings, twigs and leaves from the yard, fall is a good time to make a compost pile. There are several ways to make compost. Even if you buy a compost bin or build one from wood pallets, here are several tips to help you get going.

1. A compost pile should be approximately 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. This measurement is ideal for getting the pile to heat up.

2. All items going into the compost pile should be wet. When the yard waste is dry when added, it will reduce the decomposition process.

3. Layers of the yard waste should be applied, that is, a layer of grass clippings then a layer of leaves and so on.

4. To turn a compost pile is not a absolute necessay task unless you are in a hurry. By turning the compost pile it will accelerate the decomposition process.

5. The finished product compost can be applied to a new or an established garden or landscape. If you are still planning your project, be sure to add plenty of compost onto your soil before you plant. The compost, over time, will integrate itself with your existing soil. Therefore, no need to till or dig up the place you are improving.

It doesn't make any difference if your soil is sandy, clay, or rock; adding compost will improve it.

To top dress an established landscape, you can add a layer of compost on top of the existing soil. If you have established plants, add 1 - 2 inches of compost all around the plant. The plants will still get the benefits of the humic acid and other important plant nutrients abundantly found in compost.

The plants and landscape will reward you with a lush, healthy growth. Additionally, it will step-up your plants' natural resistance to insects and diseases. This method is nothing but back to basics.
 
 
About the Author
This article is provided courtesy of http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com and for more info dealing with compost visit http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com/compost.html

Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/35575.html
 
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/35575.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked.



  Some other articles by James Ellison
Four Main Factors Causing High Cholesterol
Besides diet, other causes of high cholesterol are lifestyle, gender and the heritage of the individual. For some, even maintaining cholesterol at the right levels and being fit and thin will still not prevent the ...

Low-Carb Diet, Should I or Shouldn't I?
It's no wonder that confusion reigns when it comes to the worth and reliability of low-carb diets after all the conflicting studies and ...

Mistakes When Planting or Transplanting
We can plant too early. Remember those beautiful warm March or April days when we are tempted to go out and start our ...

Mulch is Mother Natures Blanket
One of the most important part of gardening is mulching. It keeps down weeds by blocking the light that allows weeds to germinate. Mulch will slow down the evaporation ...

What If Low-Carb Diets Can Cure Diabetes and Heart Diseases
Low-carb diets can be advantageous in increased body weight , heart disease and treatment of diabetes according to new clinical studies . Low carb diets still revolutionize the clinical practice of nutrition. ...

What Snacks and Meals A Low Carb Dieter Can Eat
It ought to be no eye opener that consuming whole foods is the most beneficial way to go if you are looking for nourishment and vitality when indulging the ...

  
  Recent Articles
What Should You Build Backyard Ponds and Waterfalls
by Christopher Smith

Eliminate Frustration With These Surefire Bamboo Planting Tips!
by Dean Caporella

Why Woodcutters Give Echo Chainsaws Their Vote Of Approval!
by Dean Caporella

7 Stunning Ideas For Your Backyard Waterfalls
by Christopher Smith

Hot Tub Safety
by Simon Dickson

Gettin Hooked on Gardening
by Tom Henricks

3 Quick Tips for Creating a Garden Hideaway
by The House Team

Timber Framed Outbuildings
by Aggtimber

Garden Summerhouses And Offices
by Aggtimber

Bespoke Dog Kennel
by Aggtimber

Children Wooden Playhouses
by Aggtimber

How To Enjoy A Tranquil Getaway - Without Leaving Home
by Christopher Smith

Can't connect to database