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Overview | Compost | Using mulch to save water | Water crystals and Wetting agents
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Compost
Composting is nature's recycling system. Basically, composting turns organic matter into rich, nutrient-full material to feed your garden and improve the structure of your soil.
Compost brings your soil to life. It gives your plants vital nutrients, improves soil quality and helps you be wise about water by increasing your soil's ability to absorb and hold water.
A well-composted soil will give your plants the best chance to really thrive, even when you're using less water.
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How will composting help me be wise about water?
- Using compost on your garden increases your soil's ability to "hold" water in where it's needed.
- Compost improves the structure of the soil, which means water penetrates more easily, and stays around longer. There's more water for plants to take up through their roots.
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How does compost work in different types of soils? |
Compost will help your garden hold water no matter what type of soil you have.
- If you have a clay soil, adding compost will help water penetrate through its tough structure.
- If you have a sandy soil, compost will help to keep moisture in by creating a less porous texture.
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Getting started
- There are a range of compost options for different gardens and lifestyles. Your local nursery or garden centre can suggest a range of options to get the most out of your garden.
- Almost any organic matter is suitable for your compost bin. Use kitchen scraps from egg shells to banana peels and coffee grounds.
- Keep your compost material varied, as every scrap will bring something different to the final composting mix.
- Keep your compost aerated and moist. If your using a tumbling compost bin, give it a spin each time you add something to the compost pile. If your compost bin is static, ask your garden centre about special aerating tools.
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