Free Compost for Plant Lovers
Free compost available in your community! Now that it’s fully booked until May 13th for compost pick up, the next booking date is on May 8th. Mark it on your calendar for May 15 til 27th time slots.
But what exactly is compost? Let’s find out its importance to be able to have a successful gardening experience this season!
Compost – the magical elixir of the gardening world. It’s the key ingredient to producing thriving plants and veggies, and it’s something that every beginner gardener should get familiar with. Here are five important things you need to know about compost.
1. Compost is nature’s recycling system. You can think of it like a big, stinky, organic garbage disposal. Instead of throwing out all of your kitchen scraps and yard waste, you can toss them into a compost bin or pile and let nature work its magic. Over time, microorganisms break down the organic matter, creating a nutrient-rich soil amendment that’s perfect for your garden.
2. Composting is easy, but it’s not foolproof. There’s no denying that composting is a relatively simple process – just toss in your scraps, mix them up every once in a while, and let them decompose. However, there are a few things that can go wrong. If your compost pile is too wet or too dry, it won’t break down properly. Similarly, if you’re adding too much of one type of material (like leaves), your compost may become imbalanced. The key is to keep an eye on your compost and make adjustments as needed.
3. Not everything belongs in the compost bin. While it’s true that you can compost most organic materials, there are a few things that you should avoid. Meat and dairy products, for example, can attract pests and create unpleasant odors. Similarly, pet waste and diseased plants can introduce harmful bacteria and pathogens to your compost. Stick to vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and yard waste to keep your compost healthy and safe.
4. Composting is good for the environment. By composting your food and yard waste, you’re keeping it out of landfills where it would otherwise take up space and release methane (a potent greenhouse gas) as it decomposes. Instead, you’re creating a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Plus, you’re giving back to the earth by recycling and repurposing natural materials.
5. Compost takes time. Unfortunately, you can’t create compost overnight. It typically takes anywhere from six months to two years for a compost pile to break down completely. However, the end result is worth the wait. When your compost is ready, it will be dark, crumbly, and smell like earthy goodness. You can use it to improve soil quality, fertilize plants, and promote healthy growth.
Composting may sound tricky but it’s a fun and rewarding way to reduce waste, improve soil quality, and promote a healthy garden. Just don’t forget to mix in a little patience along the way.
If you live in Calgary or in the area, just like what I mentioned earlier, there’s available free compost for gardeners. Learn more about it here and enjoy free stuff our community offers! And don’t forget your shovel and containers before going to this self-serve event.
Happy planting! 
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