Hello Plant Lovers!

With Spring around the corner, plants and flowers will soon emerge and begin growing. To give plants the best possible growing conditions, garden professionals suggest adding compost to gardens and planting beds.

Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment, and is rich in nutrients. Compost is beneficial in many ways! By adding compost:

*the soil structure of the garden is improved and creates a better plant root environment;

*erosion and runoff is reduced;

*water holding capacity is improved and water loss is reduced (meaning less water is required to irrigate);

*a variety of macro and micro nutrients is supplied to the soil;

*soil pH is improved and stabilized;

*soil moisture conservation is established;

*soil temperatures are moderated and plant roots are insulated;

*natural mild herbicides are produced...

...just to name a few!

The process is simple! Compost is spread 2-3 inches thick in planting beds around shrubs, perennials and small trees just before the growing season occurs-this is called topdressing. Mulch is then layered on top. The compost naturally seeps into the soil to slowly provide nutrients to the roots of the plants. Late winter (mid- to late-February into March) is the best time of year to topdress so plants can absorb organic matter as they come out of dormancy.

Topdressing is very important for plants in the garden! In fact, the Atlanta Botanical Garden adds compost to every garden, every year.

Consider adding compost to your garden this year starting now!

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