What are the Best Garden Products for Compost?

Composting is an old idea that is making headway again, and deservedly so, as people try to recycle and go green in more ways. It works, and it's the smart thing to do. You'll be surprised about all the things you can use for composting; you'll have less waste and healthier crops and soil for your perseverance.

Food Scraps - You can use any fruit and vegetable waste in your compost pile. Never use meat, bones or dairy products and don't add a lot of eggshells. The latter are best to make calcium tea with, which is especially beneficial for tomatoes.

Fresh Cut Grass - We've all got a steady supply of freshly cut grass to add to the garden compost. Just avoid using it when weeds are going to seed. The composting process, unless fairly precisely controlled, does not always kill weed seeds.

Manure - Use well-rotted manure, as this will boost nutrients that are accessible to plants. Since it is rotted, it won't burn tender root systems.

Rotted Sawdust or Wood Shavings - Rotted has been specified here because wood adds too much nitrogen to soil, although your sweet corn will thank you for that. Not all plants like excess nitrogen so use a light layer here and there.

Dead Leaves - As leaves break down, they contribute loam to wherever they are. You can notice this happening in the forest if you pull back the leaves and see the rich, black soil Building loam is what you want to do for your garden soil, so till some in at the end of the growing season.

Seaweed - Not everyone has access to seaweed or pond seaweed, but add it if you do. It's a rich source of micronutrients.