Mature Compost -vs - Store Fertilizers


Many people wonder what the different benefits are between fertilizer purchased from the  store and compost humus that you make at home.  The aim of both is the same, to  improve the quality of your garden, lawn, and soil but there are a few differences as well.


The majority of fertilizers that you purchase at your garden center contain artificial or toxic  elements to make your lawn look nice – not necessarily healthier.  The benefit of this  type of fertilization is the ability to purchase a mix that meets the needs of your specific  lawn.  If your lawn is too dry, patchy, or has a lot of weeds – there is a product available  that can target each problem (be aware that a pesticide is part of this solution).  If you are  using a commercial mix in your garden, read all labels carefully to ensure the product is  safe to use around vegetation that is going to be consumed.


In contrast, when you use compost humus as a fertilizer there isn't a lot you can do to  customize the end result.  But the good thing is, you don't really need to.  Mature  compost is a process that occurs naturally (in a forest, the leaves on the ground are  composted with only help from Mother Nature).  The compost contains a wide range of  benefits for your lawn that do not involve chemicals.


It will really depend on your personal preference whether or not you use commercial  fertilizer or compost.  If you like the idea of using compost but not the idea of making it  yourself you can purchase the compost from some gardening centers.  Also contact your  city's recycling department, they may have a program set-up that allows residents to  donate food and other organic waste for composting and then share in the mature  compost when it is ready.