Compost is a pile of rotting material. You actually turn this stuff over and make something useful. When someone hears it defined this way, it may turn them off to using a compost pile. But define it as black gold or organic material additives and it sounds much more useful. Here are some the basics when it comes to composting.

What is compost?
The top layer of soil is made of organic material. This adds nutrients to the soil and helps keep in moisture so you don’t have to water as often. Compost adds to this moisture retention and adds more nutrients to the soil, making your garden grow healthier, stronger and better.

What is compost made of?
Compost is made from many things. Leaves, grass clippings, vegetable leftovers and even dead plants from your garden can all be used.

Some people add newspaper and biodegradable materials like recyclable paper and cardboard to the compost as well. There are even special substances that can be bought at a home and garden store to speed up the compost process. These usually contain enzymes that help move along the chemical process.

Why can't we put meat in the compost?
Meat and other materials like pasta contain fats and oils that don’t break down as quickly and attract unwanted pests such as raccoons and insects to the compost pile. Leave these items out and the compost will form much quicker.

Why does it rot?
Everything rots. Once something dies, it starts to break down because the life process is no longer there to keep it functioning. But in the case of the compost pile, rot it a great thing indeed.

The material reacts with the air. Usually a warm temperature makes it rot much quicker. Eventually this compost will be close in appearance to soil.

Why is compost good for our garden?
It adds nutrients and moisture retention. It helps to keep our garden plants healthy. It’s also a great way to get rid of leaves, grass clippings and some table scraps like those leftover broccoli stems and Brussels sprouts that you might not eat.