Making Precious Composting Count

I like to use compost before it is totally broken down. I’d much rather have a coarser compost with a lot of small, loose bits of organic matter than a fine compost, because a coarser compost still has the ability to hold plenty of moisture once it’s worked into the soil. I like that.

I have three basic ways to use compost.

1. As an ingredient in my seed-starting mixture in early spring. I used to have a large shed where I kept a compost pile working for most of the winter. I found that a little compost worked into my commercial seed-starting mix really helped. The nutrients in compost are not concentrated, so tender seedlings and plants were never burned.

I don’t have that shed anymore. Instead, I let some late fall compost work down to a much finer consistency than usual. Then I put 10 or 12 shovelfuls in a box or plastic bag and bring it into my cellar where I start plants under lights in late winter. The compost is well broken down, of course, and has no odor so it’s no problem keeping it in the cellar. (I keep the bag open at the top, though, so it can breathe and stay odor-free.)

2. As a starter fertilizer for transplants. When I set out tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, head lettuce, and other transplants, I place a big handful of compost under each plant. The compost provides a light dose of fertilizer close to the roots, and it holds moisture well so the plants are less likely to go thirsty. When the last bits of organic matter in the compost break down, a little extra fertilizer is released.

3. As a side-dressing or top-dressing for plants through the season. I use compost on my onions, tomatoes, head lettuce, and pole beans, for example. I usually don’t have enough compost for my big areas of sweet corn, potatoes, and winter squash.

Better Composting Ideas

You may want to safeguard your compost collector against dogs, raccoons, or other animals, though usually it’s not necessary. Put a liner of hardware cloth (¹/4-inch by ¹/4-inch wire screening) around the inside of the wire collector and create a lid for the top.

You can start a compost at any time of year. I start a couple of new ones in early summer because there’s a lot of food coming out of my garden then and that means there are carrot tops, potato peelings, and all sorts of goodies for composting.

Ifyou’re in doubt about whether to add a certain material to the compost pile, ask yourself this question, “Will an earthworm eat it?” If yes, it’s okay to use. If no, don’t add it to your pile.

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