How to Use Compost and Its Benefits
Compost is like magic food for plants, it makes them grow strong, healthy, and full of life. It is made from natural waste like fruit peels, dry leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps that turn into dark, rich soil full of nutrients. This natural compost helps your plants grow better, keeps the soil soft, and saves water too.
As a horticulturist, I truly believe compost is the secret behind a happy and green garden. It not only feeds the plants but also helps protect nature by reducing waste.
In this article, I’ll share how you can use organic compost easily in your garden, pots, or kitchen garden. Whether you grow flowers, vegetables, or indoor plants, compost will make your plants look fresher, greener, and more beautiful every day.
How to Use Compost
Compost is one of the best gifts you can give to your plants. It makes the soil healthy, helps plants grow faster, and keeps the garden green and full of life. Here are some easy ways to use compost in your home garden or kitchen garden.
In Garden
Spread a 2–3 inch layer of compost on top of the soil around your plants. Mix it gently into the top layer of soil using a small shovel or hand fork. This will make the soil soft and rich in nutrients. Compost also helps the soil hold water better and keeps weeds away.
In Vegetable Garden
Before planting, mix a thin layer of compost (about 2 inches) into the soil. This helps vegetables grow strong and gives them the food they need. You can also spread compost around plants like tomatoes, spinach, or carrots during their growing season. It works like a natural fertilizer.
In Pots or Containers
When planting in pots, mix one part compost with two parts soil. This helps air and water move easily through the soil. You can also add a small amount of compost on top of the pot every few weeks to keep your plants healthy and green.
How to Use Compost Bin or Tumbler
If you have a compost bin or tumbler, use the compost from the bottom — that’s the most ready and rich part. You can take it out and spread it in your garden or mix it with potting soil. Always keep your compost bin turning or mixing to make sure the materials break down evenly.
How to Use Compost Tea
Compost tea is a liquid made by soaking compost in water. To make it, put a small amount of compost in a cloth bag and place it in a bucket of water for 2–3 days. Use this water to spray on your plants or pour near their roots. It gives them a quick boost of nutrients and keeps leaves fresh and shiny.
My Personal Way to Use Compost
As a plant lover and horticulturist, I love using compost in my plants because it makes them healthy and strong. I don’t follow any strict rule — I just use compost in a simple, natural way that works best for me and my garden.
I usually prepare my soil mix with 1/3 compost, 1/3 garden soil, and 1/3 silt or sand. This mix keeps the soil soft, airy, and full of nutrients. It helps the roots grow easily and hold enough water without getting too wet.
For hanging pots, I prefer a light soil-less mix. I often use cocopeat or perlite because they keep the pot light and allow air to reach the roots.
Sometimes, for a cheaper option, I use wood shavings or waste from carpenter shops instead of cocopeat. But this is not a safe choice, as it may have bacteria or mold that can cause root rot or effect the plant health.
I also like to add a small amount of compost around my plants every month. It gives them a steady supply of nutrients and keeps them looking fresh, green, and full of life. Compost truly feels like natural food for my plants, simple, affordable, and full of goodness.
Benefits of Compost
- Makes soil soft and rich – helps roots grow easily and keeps the soil healthy.
- Helps plants grow faster and stronger by giving them natural nutrients.
- Keeps soil moist for a long time, so you don’t need to water again and again.
- Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, making gardening more natural.
- Saves waste and protects nature by recycling kitchen and garden scraps.
- Improves soil structure and increases good microbes that help plants stay healthy.
- Gives better fruits and flowers by keeping plants strong and happy.
Conclusion
Compost is one of the best ways to give your plants natural food and care. It improves the soil, helps plants grow faster, and keeps the garden fresh for a long time. When we use compost, we also reduce waste and protect nature by turning kitchen and garden scraps into something useful.
I always say compost is nature’s way of giving back. Every handful of compost adds life to the soil and helps plants stay strong and healthy. Start using compost in your garden or pots today, it’s simple, eco-friendly, and your plants will truly love it!
