The growing season is winding down and as you prepare your landscape for winter, you may find yourself with lots of yard waste. Instead of bagging it and tossing it into the garbage, why not make that yard waste continue to benefit your plants by composting?
What to put in your compost bin:
Leaves
Grass Clippings
Straw
Plant Debris
Food Waste: coffee grounds, fruit peels and cores, and vegetables
What not to compost:
Any plants which are diseased, such as plants with powdery mildew
Large squash and pumpkin vines which may take too long to decompose
Weeds that have gone to seed
Pet waste
Food Waste: meat, bones, dairy, or fats
What's in it for you?
Once the process is completed, your compost is best used in one of two ways:
Mulch - Spreading a layer of compost can help your garden or landscape retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Soil amendment - Colorado's dry, clay soil benefits from adding compost. It helps the soil retain moisture and improves air flow.
How it works
Compost needs time to break down, whether it is worked into the soil or applied on top. It can create a homogeneous soil mixture ripe with microbial activity. This process does not add many nutrients to the soil but improves the soil's capacity to hold onto both nutrients and water. It also improves the root zone. That's what makes it so beneficial to your landscape.
New to composting?
If you are a novice gardener or want to learn more about the ins and outs of composting, check out these articles:
References
Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. (2020, Oct. 2). Tip of the week (email newsletter). https://www.alcc.com/tip-of-the-week-email