Can You Compost Yew Clippings? (You Shouldn’t…)

At A GlanceComposting yew clippings can be a matter of concern due to the toxic properties of the yew plant. All parts of the yew plant, except for the fleshy aril surrounding the seeds, contain toxic compounds known as taxanes. When yew clippings are placed in a compost pile, these toxic substances can remain in …

Read more

Compost Bin Fruit Flies: How to Prevent and Get Rid of Them

At A GlanceFruit flies in your compost bin are a common issue, particularly when composting fruit and vegetable scraps. While they don’t pose a significant threat to the composting process, they can be a nuisance. To control fruit flies, ensure you’re covering food scraps with a layer of “brown” materials like leaves, straw, or shredded …

Read more

Is Mold in Compost Bin Bad? (Not Really…)

At A GlanceMold in a compost bin is not necessarily bad; it’s actually a natural part of the decomposition process. Mold helps break down organic materials, and its presence indicates that decomposition is occurring. However, certain types of mold can be problematic if they produce mycotoxins or if individuals with mold allergies come into contact …

Read more

Compost Bin Not Heating Up? Here’s What To Do

At A GlanceIf your compost bin is not heating up, it may be due to a lack of nitrogen, insufficient moisture, or inadequate aeration. A balanced carbon to nitrogen ratio is crucial for microbial activity that generates heat; adding more green materials like food scraps or fresh lawn clippings can help. Ensuring the compost pile …

Read more

What Is The Purpose Of A Compost Bin? (and do you need one?)

At A GlanceA compost bin serves as a designated area for collecting and breaking down organic material into compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The compost bin contains the decomposition process, facilitating the transformation of kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials into a beneficial product for your garden. Through the natural process of decomposition, …

Read more

Compost Enzymes: The Key to Efficient and Effective Composting

At A GlanceCompost enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate the breakdown of organic materials in a compost pile. They are produced by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi during the composting process. These enzymes target specific substances like cellulose, proteins, and fats, breaking them down into simpler compounds which can be further decomposed by microorganisms. …

Read more

Best Type of Compost for Flower Beds: A Comprehensive Guide

At A GlanceThe best type of compost for flower beds is well-rotted organic compost which is rich in nutrients and organic matter. It should be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, indicating its readiness for use. Composts made from a variety of materials such as leaves, fruit and vegetable scraps, and non-seeded garden waste provide a balanced …

Read more

Compost Tea – Boosting Your Garden’s Health and Yield

At A GlanceCompost tea is a liquid organic fertilizer derived from steeping compost in water. Applying compost tea to your garden can provide numerous benefits as it is rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients. It can be sprayed on plant leaves as a foliar spray or poured directly onto the soil. As a foliar spray, …

Read more

Compost vs. Fertilizer – The Differences and Benefits

At A GlanceCompost and fertilizer are both used to provide nutrients to plants, but they differ in composition and function. Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a soil amendment. It improves soil structure, provides a variety of essential nutrients, and enhances soil microbial activity. On the other hand, fertilizer is …

Read more

Compost vs. Garden Soil – Understanding the Differences

At A GlanceCompost and garden soil are fundamental components in gardening, each with distinct characteristics and roles. Compost is a nutrient-rich organic amendment produced from decomposed organic materials like food scraps and yard waste. It is used to enrich the soil with nutrients, improve its structure, and enhance microbial activity. On the other hand, garden …

Read more