Compost is a very important element to the backyard garden. Gardeners use compost as a source of mulch, to amend soil and as an ingredient of potting soil. An organic garden can really reap the benefits of composting. Composting is a completely natural process.
This is finished compost. It is still very wet and could be dried some to make it easier to sift or spread in your garden.
Compost is what results from the break-down, or decomposition, of organic matter when that decomposition takes place in a controlled environment. The heat produced during this decomposition sanitizes the organic matter, and it becomes stable enough to aid in plant growth. The reason decomposition takes place is due to Aerobic (oxygen-requiring) microorganisms. In order for microbes to grow and multiply, they require moisture, food and oxygen. If the microbes are given the proper requirements, decomposition will happen quickly. As the microbes work to decompose the organic material, they generate heat, moisture and carbon dioxide. The heat produced by the microbes will speed the decomposition process and sanitize the compost.
As you can see there is little resemblance to the fall leaves and kitchen scraps that was composted.
The final product after this process is complete is a nutrient rich compost that can improve the chemical, biological and physical characteristics of soil. A 1 to 3 inch layer of compost, placed around plants, will conserve moisture, prevent erosion and cut down on weed growth. A 3 to 4 inch layer of compost added on top of garden soil, and worked through with a garden rake or rototiller, is beneficial for new planting areas. To make potting mix, sift one part potting soil through a 1/4 inch screen and add mix with two parts of commercial potting soil. By using compost in conjunction with fertilizers a gardener will give plants a complete source of nutrients.