Compost Vs Fertilizers: Which Option Is Better For Your Garden?

Table of Contents

If you are a gardening enthusiast, then you may have come across the terms Compost and Fertilizers. Both are used to improve soil fertility but they work differently. In this post, we'll explore what compost and fertilizers are, their benefits and disadvantages, and which one is better for your garden.

Why is soil health important?

Soil is the foundation of your garden's health. It provides plants with essential nutrients and minerals required for their growth. Soil can become depleted and lose its fertility due to constant nutrient depletion. This is where compost and fertilizers come in.

What is compost, and when to use it?

Compost is made from decomposed organic matter such as leaves, kitchen scraps, grass clippings, etc. It can be used to amend garden soils or add new soil to gardens. Composting also helps to reduce greenhouse gases by diverting organic waste from landfills.

What is fertilizer, and when to use it?

Fertilizers are products that provide nutrients to plants. They usually contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which are essential for plant growth. Fertilizers are commonly used when soil lacks essential nutrients or when planting new crops.

The Benefits of Composting

Compost has several benefits, both for the environment and your garden. Let's explore why composting is beneficial.

1. Composting Improves Soil Health

Compost improves soil quality by providing essential nutrients and micronutrients to the soil, promoting the growth of healthy microbes, and improving soil structure. Healthy soil is key to growing strong, healthy plants.

2. Adding Organic Matter to the Soil

Compost is rich in organic matter, which is essential for soil health. Organic matter improves soil structure by increasing water-holding capacity and promoting aeration. It also promotes the growth of beneficial organisms like earthworms and other microbes.

3. Cycling Nutrients Naturally

Composting helps to cycle nutrients naturally in the soil. The nutrients in compost are slowly released, providing plants with the necessary nutrients over time. This sustainability aspect makes it an eco-friendly option.

4. Tips for Successful Gardening With Compost

To reap the benefits of composting, it's important to use it properly. Here are some tips for successful gardening with compost:

• Use mature compost that has finished decomposition.
• Add compost to garden soil before planting new crops.
• Spread compost evenly over your garden beds.
• Mix compost with soil to provide better drainage and aeration.
• Use a compost tea to fertilize your garden.

The Pros & Cons of Fertilisers

Fertilizers have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at them.

1. The Advantages of Fertilisers

Fertilizers can improve plant growth and increase crop yield by providing essential nutrients that may be lacking in the soil. They are also customizable - you can choose a fertilizer that contains specific nutrients depending on what your plants need.

2. The Disadvantages of Fertilisers

Although fertilizers can improve plant growth, they can also be harmful to the environment if not used correctly. Overuse of fertilizers can lead to water pollution and damage to beneficial organisms in soil. Additionally, synthetic fertilizers may cause long-term soil degradation due to their high salt content.

Both compost and fertilizers have advantages and disadvantages. Composting is a sustainable and eco-friendly option that provides numerous benefits to your garden's soil health. In comparison, fertilizers provide quick results but can have negative impacts on the environment if not used correctly.

Which option should you choose?

If you are looking for a natural and sustainable way to improve your garden soil health, composting is an excellent choice. However, if your plants need quick access to specific nutrients to thrive, fertilizers may be the better option.

Final thoughts on compost vs fertilizers

Ultimately, the best option depends on your gardening needs, goals, and personal preferences. Whichever you choose, it's important to use them responsibly and follow instructions for maximum benefit.

FAQ

Which is better for the environment, Compost or Fertilizers?

Compost is more environmentally friendly as it uses natural materials to enrich the soil, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and doesn't have any harmful chemicals. However, fertilizers can be harmful to the environment if not used correctly.

Can I use both fertilizers and compost in my garden?

Yes, you can definitely use both together. Compost and fertilizers work together to provide complete nutrition to plants.

How often should I add compost to my garden?

It's recommended to add compost to your garden beds every one to two years. However, you can also top-dress your garden with compost anytime during the growing season.

What kind of fertilizer should I choose?

The best fertilizer depends on your soil and plant needs. Check the label to see if it contains the specific nutrients necessary for your plants.

Can I make my own fertilizer? If Yes, How?

Yes, you can make your own fertilizer by composting or creating a compost tea. Compost tea is made by soaking compost in water, allowing the nutrients to dissolve into the water.

How much compost do I need per plant?

A general rule of thumb is to add 1-2 inches of compost around established plants. For new plants, add a handful of compost to the planting hole.

Are there any disadvantages to using compost instead of fertilizers?

Compost may not provide quick results like fertilizers do. It also takes time and effort to produce quality compost.

Do different plants prefer different types of fertilizer?

Yes, different plants have distinct nutrient requirements, and fertilizers provide varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. So, choose accordingly.

Is it possible to over-fertilize your garden plants?

Yes, it is possible to over-fertilize your plants, causing damage to roots and runoff of excess nutrients, which harm other organisms, including fish and wildlife. Keep to recommended usage.

Can I compost anything or are there certain things that shouldn't be composted?

You cannot compost meat, dairy or oily food, pet litter as they will attract pests, emit bad odor or aren’t healthy for compost formation. You can add a variety of other items, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, garden waste, and more.