An Intro To Desert Compost

Everyone knows that compost is the result of decomposing plant materials. It is black and crumbly and loaded with nutrients. Let's take a further look and discuss why it's good to have your own compost in the desert landscape.

Generally speaking, if a soil is too loose or too compact then air, water and nutrients cannot move around properly. It either flows through and doesn't get absorbed or cannot make it through the soil at all (perhaps because of caliche in the soil or compacted clay). Compost is a perfect blend and allows for just the right amount of necessary materials to work their way through the desert soil. When the spacing is just right water loaded with soluble nutrients as well as air can be readily available to plant roots.

Compost will help new trees like the one pictured to establish a healthy root system, which will make it strong enough to hold up in the hot, windy desert.

Chlorosis is a result of a deficiency of nutrients and in our alkaline soil iron chlorosis is common. It is not lack of iron, per se, but a presence of iron in a formulation that cannot be absorbed by plant roots. Adding compost to your soil before you plant can not only prevent chlorosis but allow other precious minerals to get to the new roots.

It is easy to make a compost pile, simply use a big crate with breathable holes, an old garbage can (poke holes in it for air) or you could purchase containers made specifically for composting. Don't pile up your compost too high or air won't get into the center.

Fill your compost with vegetable scraps, old soils from repotting or digging, yard clippings, grass and even coffee grounds. Do not add meat as it will attract pests. The hotter your pile gets the faster the items inside will break down. You'll need to turn your compost from time to time (once per month) to get air to flow through the clippings. Also, avoid adding oleander trimmings to your pile as it is toxic.

Add your compost to soil when planting or to new pots. You can strain it through a sieve so it's fine enough for plants to produce new roots. Just toss the remainder back into your bin. Compost should be dark, crumbly and have an earthy smell.