Homemade compost, affectionately known as black gold, is a secret weapon of some of the best gardeners. It’s the nutrient-rich material that results from the breakdown of organic materials, like ...

With a few extra steps, your garden can become the gift that keeps giving. It's a gift Gwenne Baile calls black gold. It's compost, and she makes it from leaves, vegetable scraps and water. She uses ...

Elizabeth has worked since 2010 as a writer and consultant covering gardening, permaculture, and sustainable living. She has also written a number of books and e-books on gardens and gardening. In ...

Composting is a win-win ...

If you’re wondering how to make compost and why—well, read on for all the dirt. As gardeners can attest, we grow very attached to the stuff. In fact, when I moved to my new house many years ago, I ...

Most gardeners do some composting. Some folks compost anything that once was part of a living plant, often mixing it with barnyard waste; they turn and aerate their piles and make terrific compost in ...

My last four articles were about bed preparation and soil amendments. Unglamorous, but extremely important topics that are keys to success. Compost is also very important so I’ll discuss it in greater ...

The best plants grow in the best soils. The best soils are enriched with compost. The best way to get plenty of good compost is make your own. And the best time to start is now. When confronted with ...

Q: If I make my own compost, can I use it instead of commercial fertilizers for grass, plants, trees and shrubs? A: Yes, you can. But please be aware that homemade compost is not consistent in ...

It takes time to make compost. Organic matter requires about two to three months to break down in hot compost piles, and up to a year or more in cold composting systems. But if you add a compost ...