All yards produce waste from pruning, lawn mowing and other routine plant care activities. Composting is a way to reduce the volume of organic wastes and return them to the soil to benefit growing plants. Beginning a compost pile is a simple as designating a spot in the yard that receives at least six hours of sunshine and beginning a pile. Ideally, all yard waste needs to be cut into two by two inch pieces and mixed thoroughly in the pile. Keep the pile about 4 cubic feet in size and turn it routinely.
The finished product can be used to improve the drainage and aeration of clay soil. Compost can be thought of as a separator that "shoulders apart" tightly packed clay particles to allow water and air to enter. Composting helps sandy soil hold water and nutrients. Compost holds moisture "like a sponge" and releases fertilizer nutrients slowly. It also increases the activity of earthworms and other natural soil organisms that are beneficial to plant growth. Note: Compost is a soil amendment, not a fertilizer. It contains limited plant nutrients. For more information see the fact sheet Composting Yard Waste.
