Nine Reasons to Use Garden Compost

As a keen gardener, the chances are you will either buy or make your own compost to improve the soil in your garden. But do know just how many benefits there are of composting? Here, Madingley Mulch, who sell quality outdoor supplies to customers in the Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex and Bedfordshire areas, outlines nine good reasons to use garden compost.

Limits Weed Growth – When used as a mulch, compost helps to control weeds. To keep weeds in check, spread a thick layer on top of the soil (up to 4 inches thick is ideal). Keep topping it up in spring and autumn as the compost will slowly sink into the soil.

Improves Soil Composition – Some parts of Cambridgeshire have heavy, clay soil. Compost helps to loosen the soil in these areas and improve aeration and drainage. Our Spent Mushroom Compost is the perfect choice for this type of soil and is a mix of animal manure and decayed straw.

Helps the Environment – As a gardener, you know that every little helps when it comes to making a positive difference to the environment. Recycling and composting are becoming more and more popular to reduce solid waste being dumped on the landfill. So by composting you are taking steps towards a better future!

Reduces Temperature Extremes – Compost can be used as an alternative mulch, and just like mulch it helps stabilise the temperature of your soil. Using compost helps to keep the soil warmer in winter, and cooler during the hottest days of the year. It also serves to protect plant roots from wind damage.

Saves Water – Compost helps to increase the organic matter in your soil, and this in turn assists the soil in retaining water, which is particularly beneficial in the summer months. It works just like mulch in this way, and reaps big rewards as ultimately you won’t have to water your plants as much!

Enriches the Soil – A ready mixed compost has a host of nutrients, including potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous, so it eliminates the need for chemicals such as synthetic fertilisers. In the long run your plants will thank you for it as you can expect healthier flowers, fruit and vegetables.

Wards off Disease – Compost helps to keep plant diseases at bay because of the amount of nutrients it adds to the soil. A study featured in organic pioneers’ Rodale Institute’s online News & Research pages showed that compost not only helps to keep plants healthy by limiting disease but, according to a team of researchers from Idaho, it can even help to eliminate certain strains of E.Coli.

Provides a Habitat for Worms – Compost provides a habitat where earthworms and other organisms can thrive. Worms, nicknamed ‘nature’s ploughs’ by Charles Darwin, aerate the soil and break down organic matter to release the nutrients.

It Works for Potted Plants Too! – Using compost in your plant pots and hanging baskets helps to enrich the soil and improve plant growth. It can be mixed with potting soil to benefit all potted plants, including houseplants.

Garden Compost – The Quick Solution

Do you want to improve the condition of your soil, but don’t feel that you can dedicate the time to making your own compost? Buying readymade compost offers the perfect solution, particularly if you have a small garden with limited space, or substantial grounds. At Madingley Mulch, we can deliver bulk buys of garden compost direct to your door in parts of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex.

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