|
|
|
|
Compost: the Ideal Soil Amendment By Larry Hodgson There's no doubt about it: adding compost is simply the best way of improving soil quality. As April chases away the last traces of winter, it brings renewed life to your garden... and that also means it's time to enrich your plant's nutrient storehouse: the soil. And it's so simple to do! Just give your soil compost every year and it will be a picture of health, better be able to hold the water, air, and nutrients that plants need to grow and develop. The best time to apply compost is in spring, usually in April or May, just before the plants leaf out, working it into the soil with a hoe or cultivator. You can also add it in the fall, when the trees are bare. In fact, the only time you shouldn't be applying compost is in late summer and early fall, as it is so rich it might prevent some plants from hardening off for the winter. When you add compost, adapt your applications to your plants' needs. Certain perennials, such as astilbes (Astilbe) and peonies (Paeonia) are voracious feeders and need an annual application of about a pound of compost per foot2 , that is to a depth of about 3/4 of an inch, while others such as yarrows (Achillea) and purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), aren't quite as gree dy and can get along quite nicely only about 1/4 lb. per square foot or 1/4 inch thick. If the soil in your gardens is rich in clay, use BIOMAX® Shrimp Compost. Thanks to its rich calcium content, it will make the soil lighter and reduce compaction, meaning you'll find it easier to cultivate. If you're looking for better yields from your vegetable gardens and annual flower beds, use BIOMAX® Seaweed Compost. The potassium it contains improves vegetable and flower quality and helps plants to grow stronger stems. It is also ideal for plants subject to severe stress. |