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  • Compost is made up of a mixture of things like dead leaves, grass clippings and manure. This mix of decaying, organic materials is used to fertilize soil. Good composting practices can lead to an array of benefits.

    Significance

    Healthy compost is created when yard waste and plant-based food scraps are broken down into a fertile organic mixture through the interaction of microorganisms, worms and other natural agents.

    Benefits

    Organic compost mixed into a garden not only recycles healthy nutrients back into the soil, but also reduces the amount of waste going into costly landfills and supports healthy plant growth, thereby negating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

    Potted Plants

    According to Florida's On-line Composting Center, compost creates useful potting soil. Compost tea, which extracts nutrients and microorganisms from the organic mixture, is used to fertilize house plants.

    Mulch

    Mulch consists of grass clippings, leaves or shredded branches that are placed on the soil surface. An inch or two of decomposing grass or leaf mulch helps smother weeds and keeps moisture in the soil.

    Leaf Mulching

    Leaves contain all the nutrients necessary for healthy lawns and trees. These can be ground into smaller pieces with lawn mowers, thereby composting and recycling essential nutrients back into the soil.

    Source:

    Dictionary.com: Definition of Compost

    City of Seattle: Composting Yard and Food Waste at Home

    Florida's Online Composting Center: How to Use Compost

    More Information:

    MontgomeryCountyMD.gov: Turning Autumn Leaves into Healthy Lawns

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