Organic in the garden - What is compost ?

This is a very popular garden subject, infact, more questions are asked about what compost is than any other topic. The problem is, compost can refer to several different things for the home gardener.

"Potting Compost" - is a term given to commercially produced potting mixture. This type of mixture contains both organic and inorganic materials to aid in drainage and to enable the mixture to breath. Well rotted Pine bark & sawdust form the majority basis of most Potting Composts

"Vermi-Compost" - is a Compost produced by Worms. Worms are becoming an extremely useful tool for turning common household and industrial waste into quality soil conditioner. It is the ideal Organic Soil conditioner for the Home Gardener.

"Garden Compost" - this is the most common form of compost. It is typically made in a commercially produced compost bin from household and garden waste. Common Garden compost can be used as an Organic Mulch, Dug into the soil to improve drainage and fertility as well as a general soil conditioner.

© 2007 Eric J. Smith