Differentiating Organic Compost from Fertilizers

The preparation of organic compost and how it differs from fertilizers.

Considered by some gardeners as Black Gold, compost is described as a decomposed organic matter that undergoes composting, which transforms the garden and other organic waste into rich, dark, and productive soil. Organic compost excites the soil food web, which is composed of microscopic fungi and bacteria, along with ground critters such as crickets and earthworms.

In some plants, compost plays significant roles. In case of tomatoes and other vegetables, their flavour, health benefits, and ability to resist common diseases are enhanced by composts. Also, compost helps the surface soil to retain moisture. The best thing about organic composting is that trash collection is reduced.

Preparation of organic compost

There is readily available compost from physical and online stores, but nothing beats a homemade one. While there is no specific list of ingredients to follow in making compost, kitchen trimmings such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, leaves, grass clippings and any other organic products can be used for composting. Since it’s going to take a longer time before you can finally acquire the final material, most gardeners still buy compost from stores for quick use.

Compost vs Fertilizer

Some gardeners still fail to distinguish composts from fertilizers. All that you need to remember is that compost feeds the soil while fertilizer feeds the plants.

Fertilizers supply nutrients to the soil, but application depends on the specific needs of the growing plants. While organic or conventional varieties of fertilizers work well for vegetables, organic ones are found to be friendlier to the soil food web. Chemical fertilizers, on the other hand, discourage microbes and disrupts the soil chemistry, which is why it’s not advisable to use.

Organic compost and fertilizers can work together. Compost provides many nutrients such as boron. The nutrients coming from the fertilizer are gathered until the time the plants need it. In addition, compost makes the soil fertile and holds moisture. Thus, using them both at the same time will be much more beneficial.