CompostingIsGoodforYourGardenandtheEnvironment.PDFVIP

University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources California Master Gardener Tip Sheet Publication 8367 / September 2009 Composting Is Good for Your Garden and the Environment PAMELA M. GEISEL, Academic Coordinator, UC Statewide Master Gardener Program; and DONNA C. SEAVER, Program Representative, UC Statewide Master Gardener Program Why Compost? Composting is good for several reasons: • It saves water by helping the soil hold moisture and reduce water runoff. • It benefits the environment by recycling organic resources while conserving landfill space. • It reduces the need for commercial soil conditioners and fertilizers. Compost provides many benefits. It • adds nutrients and beneficial microbes, holds water, and improves plant growth • provides a supplemental amount of slow-release nutrients • increases soil organic matter • encourages healthy root structure • lightens clay soils and helps sandy soils hold water • attracts and feeds earthworms and other beneficial soil microorganisms • helps balance pH (acidity/alkalinity) • helps control soil erosion • helps protect plants from drought and freezes • decreases use of petrochemical fertilizers • moderates soil temperature and reduces weeds when used as a mulch Ways to Use Compost Different composts have different prop