Compost is one of the most beneficial things that you can add to your garden. Also known as "black gold," compost is not soil itself, but is an amendment that you should add to your soil in order to increase the level of nutrients and beneficial bacteria. Compost also improves the texture of your soil by providing space between the individual dirt particles, therefore helping oxygen and water to circulate and reach your plants' roots. Regardless of what you plant, adding compost to your soil is always beneficial.
The most traditional way to create compost is to add biodegradable materials, such as coffee grounds, veggie peels, and egg shells to a bin or heap. This heap gradually breaks down into an odorless substance that looks a lot like dirt or mulch and is teaming with beneficial microbes. However, if you do not have space for a traditional compost bin or simply do not wish to have one, you can try this method of creating compost directly in your garden bed.
When you begin composting directly in a garden bed, you will need to start a few months before you intend to plant in this space. I recommend composting at least 4 months in advance of when you want to sow your seeds. Begin by designating a 6 foot by 8 foot rectangle that will serve as a small vegetable, fruit, flower, and/or herb garden. Now, dig a long, narrow strip within your garden plot. In this case, 8 feet long by 2 feet wide would be appropriate. Now, when you have compost scraps, place them directly in this trench. Both yard waste and kitchen scraps are good things to put in your compost trench. Simply avoid animal waste, bones, and any plant waste that is diseased or very seedy, as this may sprout.
When your compost trench is full of grass clippings, dead leaves, and kitchen scraps, cover it with a couple inches of dirt. Then, move over and start the process again. You would need to complete this process only 3 times to cover your entire 6 foot by 8 foot garden plot. When you have composted the entire plot, simply let it sit under those couple inches of soil in order to biodegrade and create a healthy nutrient base. Check it every now and then to make sure that critters are not digging up any of your kitchen scraps. If they are, you can add an extra layer of soil on top, or a plastic tarp.
Come spring, when you turn over your earth to begin planting, your compost scraps will have decomposed, and you'll have nice, rich soil. Again, remember to allow about 3-4 months before tilling your earth for the scraps to fully decompose and achieve the coveted compost result.
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