Submitted by IFSCC Sustaining Members Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) Education Coordinator, Theresa Greinig, and Seven Generations Ahead Sustainability Program Associate, Caroline French
Often, we think of using compost in our self-managed green spaces. However, using compost benefits many types of land by improving soil health, enhancing fertility, and supporting sustainable growth. In home gardens, compost enriches the soil, helping vegetables and flowers thrive with fewer chemical inputs. On farmland, it boosts crop yields by increasing organic matter, improving water retention, reducing flooding and erosion and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. In urban landscapes, compost can restore compacted soils in parks, green spaces, and roadways, promoting healthier trees and turf. Even degraded or disturbed lands, such as construction sites or former industrial areas, can be rehabilitated with compost, which helps rebuild soil structure and encourages native plant growth. No matter the setting, compost provides a natural, effective solution for healthier soil and a more resilient environment!
Diving deeper into the benefits of compost, especially for use as fall cover, may make you rethink traditional yard cleanup! Traditional cleanups often involve removing leaves, grass clippings, and organic debris – materials that are rich in nutrients. Using this material as a fall cover works with nature instead of against it. Choosing compost not only reduces yard waste, but also sets the stage for stronger, more resilient growth in the seasons ahead. Using compost offers a more sustainable and beneficial alternative to a complete yard cleanup
How does compost as fall cover help all soil types? Good Question!
Improving Soil Structure Compost helps soil by clumping soil particles together, which makes more room for water to drain and air to circulate. This also helps the soil hold onto water better and makes it easier for roots to grow and absorb nutrients.
Plus, compost is great for feeding your soil and plants. As tiny soil critters munch on the compost, they slowly release nutrients to your plants as they need them. And when things get dry, those little spaces in the soil act like a sponge, soaking up air and water to help your plants get through tough times.
Weed Control Unless you have a passion for picking weeds, consider the assistance of compost here too! Compost aids in weed suppression by creating a dense, nutrient-rich layer on the soil surface that blocks sunlight, making it difficult for weed seeds to germinate and grow. When used as mulch, compost acts as a physical barrier that reduces the emergence of unwanted plants while still allowing water and air to reach the soil below. Additionally, healthy soil built through compost use supports stronger, more vigorous plant growth, which can outcompete weeds for space, light, and nutrients. Over time, consistent compost application helps create soil conditions that naturally discourage weed infestations.
Soil Temps Over Winter If you live in the Midwest, you may want to snuggle under a blanket when winter comes. Our soil would love to follow suit! Compost can help moderate soil temperature by acting as a natural insulator. When applied as a top layer or worked into the soil, compost helps retain warmth by trapping heat and reducing temperature fluctuations in the soil. This insulation protects plant roots and beneficial soil organisms from extreme cold, creating a more stable and hospitable environment for microbial activity to continue – just at a slower pace. As the organic matter in compost continues to decompose, it also generates a small amount of heat, further contributing to a warmer soil microclimate during the winter months
Winter Feeding Winter is a slow time for our green spaces. For most midwesterners, after your fall harvest, the garden goes dormant for the season. Adding a layer (1-2 inches) of finished compost over your garden beds can boost your next garden season! Compost has a natural buffering effect, which will help maintain your soil’s pH level for optimal plant growth. It will also help in preventing erosion, a common issue in exposed winter gardens. Beyond these immediate benefits, winter feeding serves as a more gentle and long-term amendment to your soil.
Conclusion Using compost as a fall cover is more than a garden habit; it’s a powerful strategy for cultivating healthier, more resilient soil across all landscapes. From home gardens to farmlands and urban green spaces, compost offers an unparalleled natural solution, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and fostering sustainable growth.
By using compost as your fall cover, you actively work with nature. You improve crucial soil structure for better water and air flow, supporting robust root growth. It becomes a natural ally in weed control, suppressing unwanted growth while nurturing desired plants. Furthermore, compost provides vital insulation, moderating soil temperatures through winter and sustaining beneficial microbial activity. This “winter feeding” primes your soil for important spring growth.
As autumn transitions to winter, consider the profound impact a simple layer of compost can have. It’s an investment in long-term soil health, sustainable practices, and the promise of more abundant, thriving green spaces.
Embrace compost this fall; your soil and plants will thank you.