FAQs about composting methods

How can I compost grass clippings?

Keep grass clippings short by mowing frequently or using a mulching mower. The smaller the pieces, the easier they are to disassemble. Additionally, the smaller the grass clippings, the less likely they are to clump up in a mat and block airflow. To prevent this, thin out your grass clippings. Do not place lawns that have been exposed to herbicides or pesticides, or lawns that have bloomed or been weeded, into a cold compost pile.

How to compost sawdust?
Don’t add too much sawdust, as it can clump up if there’s moisture. Spread a thin layer over other types of organic materials such as lawn clippings, plant clippings, hay, shredded paper, etc. 

Can I add weeds to my compost?
If you are using the hot composting method, you can add weeds. Once the pile reaches 140°F to 160°F, weed seeds are destroyed. Do not add weeds to your cold compost pile.

Do I need a bin for composting?
If you compost outdoors, you don’t need a bin, but they are very useful. All you have to do is pile the trash and create some sort of structure to keep it from tipping over. If you’re composting inside, you’ll need a bin to control the final odor and speed up decomposition.

Does compost replace commercial fertilizer?
Partially. Compost is a balanced fertilizer that improves soil fertility and water management capacity. If your garden soil is deficient in certain nutrients, you may need to add a separate commercial product to correct the deficiency.

What is compost tea?
Compost tea is a powerful liquid fertilizer made by adding compost and water to a bucket and letting it sit for 24 hours. You can benefit from the nutrients that compost provides when you cannot add it in solid form. Compost tea can be used as a foliar fertilizer and can be applied to the soil at any time.

Is bug leachate the same as compost tea?
Worm leachate is the liquid released during vermi composting and is typically collected in containers. To obtain compost tea from a traditional bin or worm bin, you will need to add water to the finished compost. Both are powerful fertilizers for lawns, gardens, and potted plants.

Is homemade compost suitable for organic gardening?
Yes, if composting is done correctly. It is important to avoid adding any chemicals or ingredients that the plants have been exposed to (mainly herbicides or pesticides), as well as any chemicals that may turn into compost.

How much does compost cost?

The price of commercial compost varies greatly depending on the brand and quality. You can expect to pay between $3 and $10 for a 40-pound bag. This amount covers 6 to 12 square feet with a 1-to-2-inch layer.

Can I add pet waste to my compost bin?
Composting pet waste can be controversial. This is because some pet pathogens can be transmitted to humans if they survive the composting process, and the compost is then used for human consumption. So, if you want to recycle pet waste, put it in a hot compost pile or worm bin and use the compost on your lawn, flower beds and ornamental trees, but not your vegetable garden.

What is the difference between scrap gardening and composting?
Scrap gardening and composting both use food waste, but they are very different. Scrap gardening refers to growing new plants by soaking living vegetable scraps, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, lettuce, and onions, in water and adding them to the soil. Composting converts fruit and vegetable scraps into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

Can I use starter fertilizer at any time? 

Generally, it is best to apply starter fertilizer before or immediately after planting your lawn. The exact timing will depend on soil conditions, grass type and climate. If your lawn is already established, do not use starter fertilizer as it may not provide the proper nutrients your lawn needs for growth and health.

Should I apply a starter fertilizer before or after it rains?
Well, since rain is out of your control, your best bet is to apply a starter fertilizer when it’s dry. This will give the starter fertilizer time to work its magic and be absorbed into the soil before the rain arrives. However, a little rain or water after applying the fertilizer will help spread it evenly.

What are the benefits of starter fertilizer?

Starter fertilizers are designed to give new plants a strong jump. Simply put, starter fertilizers include:
➢ Provides essential nutrients to the new root system.
➢ Helps promote growth and maintain vibrant color during early growth.
➢ Increases the efficiency and effectiveness of regular fertilizers.
➢ Helps plants adapt better to their environment and increase disease resistance.

What is the difference between starter fertilizer and weed and feed?
‘Weed and feed’ products are typically a mixture of herbicides and fertilizers. In contrast, starter fertilizer is a concentrated form of the three key nutrients (NPK) tailored to the needs of new turf, such as seedlings or turf.

Moreover, ‘weed and feed’ products are intended to kill weeds, while starter fertilizers are intended to feed plants and promote plant growth. Therefore, it is generally not a good idea to use ‘weed and feed’ on young seedlings or grass.

What is the difference between general fertilizer and starter fertilizer?

Regular fertilizers are designed to nourish and maintain mature plants, while starter fertilizers help young plants get off to a strong start. The main differences lie in their ingredients and mode of action.

➢ Starter fertilizers are high in phosphorus, which strengthens the root system and helps young plants grow faster.
➢ Regular fertilizers are high in nitrogen and potassium, which help mature plants fight off disease.
➢ The best regular lawn fertilizers release slowly, while starter fertilizers are formulated to release nutrients immediately.

Does starter fertilizer work for all plants?

Exorbitant. Starter fertilizer is suitable for all types of young plants, including vegetables, flowers, shrubs and trees. However, it is important to remember that each plant species has unique nutritional requirements. Therefore, it is important to choose the right fertilizer and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re not sure which fertilizer is best for your plants, a soil test is a good place to start.

How much starter fertilizer should I use?

The amount of starter fertilizer you should use will depend on the size of your landscape. Typically, fertilizer is applied at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Most starter fertilizers come in bags already labeled with the amount of product needed or recommended for use in a particular area.

Call RDKLandscping for expert advice on how to keep your lawn and landscaping healthy and thriving. We have the experience and expertise to keep your property in top condition all year round. Find the nearest RDKLandscping location and we’ll take care of all the work for you.