How to Do It, Why It Helps, and When It’s Totally Worth It
Let’s clear this up first: you don’t need compost to grow a garden. Your plants can survive just fine without it. But if you’ve ever looked at your garden and thought, “Huh, I was hoping for more tomatoes than this,” or wondered why your peppers didn’t grow quite as large as you expected, compost might be your missing ingredient.
What is Compost, Really?
Compost is basically nature’s way of recycling. It’s made from broken-down organic material, think veggie scraps, coffee grounds, dead leaves, and even eggshells. Over time, these materials decompose into a rich, earthy mix full of nutrients. When added to your garden, compost helps feed your plants naturally.
You can buy compost at most nurseries or garden centers. But honestly, you can make your own for free with a few basic ingredients and a little bit of patience.
How to Start Composting at Home
You don’t need a fancy bin or a ton of space to compost, just a good balance of two things:
- Greens: Fresh, moist items like fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings
- Browns: Dry materials like shredded paper, cardboard, and dry leaves
Layer your greens and browns in a bin, mix occasionally, and keep the pile just damp, not soaked. With Arizona’s warm temps, your compost can break down quickly. In a few weeks to a couple of months, you’ll have black gold ready for your garden.
Pro tip: Don’t compost dairy, meat, or oily foods. They’ll smell and attract pests.
How to Use Compost in Your Garden
Don’t overthink it, just sprinkle it on top of your soil. Whether you’re using raised beds, in-ground beds, or containers, there’s no need to mix it in. Watering will naturally carry nutrients down into the root zone where your plants need them most.
Apply compost:
- Before planting new seedlings
- Mid-season for a boost
- Anytime your soil looks tired or dry
Compost isn’t required, but it’s kind of magical. It brings your soil to life, helps your plants reach their full potential, and it’s one of the easiest things you can do to build a thriving garden, season after season.
If you want larger, more fruitful plants that may or may not take over your garden bed and your entire life turning you into the best gardener you know, we recommend using compost.
