One of the more useful characteristics of most of our coastal soils is how good the drainage pipes are. Most of our substrate is sandy loam, which can quickly filter water and prevent excessive water accumulation in the area. However, the problem is that water and nutrients also leak out quickly, and if rainfall is scarce, it may cause drought.

We can do something to help. Your lawn pruning and tree and shrub trims can be easily recycled or composted to produce an excellent source of organic matter, which you can add to the soil for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and landscape planting. The best part is that it is completely free.

More: Here are the best ways to prevent the death of trees and lawns in coastal Georgia

Composting is a simple but practical and convenient way to recycle lawn and landscape waste. This compost can be used in elevated gardens as a free nutrient substrate, or by mixing it with existing soil and spreading it on poorly growing lawn areas. There are many other ways to use compost, wherever good quality soil is really needed.

As the leaves begin to fall off and summer gardens and flower crops begin to wither, local gardeners and gardeners often wonder if these can be used for composting. The answer is yes, here are some useful questions and answers for you to consider when you start composting yourself.

What is compost? Compost is a rich black humus or final product produced by the natural decomposition of plants and/or plant products under controlled conditions.

What is the best material for composting? Almost any organic material can be used for composting, such as leaves, grass clippings, branches, annual or perennial old flowers, discarded vegetable plants, and even straw and sawdust. Avoid composting diseased or insect-infested plants, seeded weeds, or invasive weeds such as morning glory, honeysuckle, or nuts. Kitchen dander and coffee grounds can also be composted, but avoid adding too much food waste (unless you bury them deep in the pile) because they may attract animals.   

What about the smell of compost? If the ventilation is good, there will be no odor problems in the compost pile. Turning the pile once a month will ensure good ventilation, which not only eliminates odors, but also accelerates decay. The odor-producing bacteria are killed by the heat in the pile. If animal manure is added to the pile, it may produce some initial smell, but as the pile matures, it will quickly dissipate.

Where should I find my compost pile? Put the compost pile in a remote place in the yard, if possible, in a sunny place and in a well-drained area. Hope this is not hard to find in your yard.

How big can my compost pile be? A good size is 3 feet X 3 feet X 3 feet. Large piles decompose faster than small piles, but large piles are also more difficult to manage.

How do I include compost? If a certain type of structure is used to hold the compost material, the decomposition effect is best. Most structures of any type can be used, including welding wires, fences, wooden pallets or concrete blocks. It is important to leave open space on both sides for good air circulation through the piles; and to ensure that the bottom is open to the ground for proper drainage.

How do I build and care for the pile? In order to obtain the best decomposition effect, it is best to mix various materials in the pile. In most cases, the piles are piled with any organic material that can be used at a specific time, such as grass clippings in summer, leaves in autumn, etc. Remember, the smaller the fragments of organic matter, the faster it will decompose.

Once a layer of organic material is added, add a little garden soil or animal manure if possible. This adds fungi, bacteria, insects and worms to the pile and helps speed up the decomposition process.

Keep the pile moist, but not soaking or too wet. In order to speed up the decomposition process and prevent the generation of odors, please use a shovel or fork to flip at least once a month.

When can I use compost? When compost looks like fragile soil and you can no longer identify the original plant material, it can be used. Every time you mix compost, there should be some ready-made compost available. Before planting vegetables, shrubs, flowers, trees or even lawn areas, adding compost to the soil will improve soil structure and drainage. It will also help maintain the nutrients and moisture the plants need.

Compost will release a small amount of plant nutrients, but it will not completely replace fertilizer. It should be mainly used as a soil building material rather than fertilizer. In addition, it can be used as a mulch on the soil surface or as potting soil for container plants.

Check the Circular 816 online at bit.ly/MulchCompost (just enter the circular UGA Circular 816). Or go to your local promotion office, we are still open!  

Richard Evans is the agricultural and natural resource agent for Bryan/Liberty County Cooperative Extension. Contact him at 912-653-2231 or uge3029@uga.edu (Brien County) or 912-876-2133, uge3179@uga.edu (Liber County).