Compost Piles and Gardens are Heating Up

Happy 4th of July!

This week we're talking about the heat, both in the compost pile and in the garden. It's all about moisture management when the temps start climbing. Read on, stay cool, and be safe! Oh and have fun!

Summer's warmth is a great ally for composting, speeding up the hard work of decomposition. But high temperatures also mean your pile needs a little more attention to stay balanced and effective.

The key to a healthy summer compost pile is managing moisture and air. Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge, damp, but not soggy. If you reach in and it feels dry, add some water while turning it. If it seems too wet or starts to smell like ammonia, mix in more "brown" materials like dried leaves, shredded cardboard, or straw to absorb the excess moisture and add air pockets.

Heat is a sign that your compost is working, but it can dry out quickly. Turning your pile every week or two is the best way to ensure your pile keeps cooking efficiently. This practice not only helps regulate the temperature but also evenly distributes moisture and introduces the oxygen that beneficial microbes need to thrive. Additionally, it gives you a chance to correct imbalances early, whenever they appear. The longer a problem exists before you address it, the longer it will take to correct.

By keeping an eye on these simple factors, you can harness the summer heat to create rich, nutrient-dense compost for your garden more efficiently than any other time of the year.

Spotting a ladybug in your garden is a welcome sight. These small, spotted beetles are valuable allies for any gardener, offering natural and effective pest control, and reminding us to appreciate the little things in life.

A single ladybug can consume up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime. Their appetite doesn't stop there; they also feed on other soft-bodied pests like mites and mealybugs. This allows you, the gardener, to avoid chemical pesticides, contributing to a healthier ecosystem in your backyard. The ladybug’s life cycle is geared towards pest management. Their larvae, which resemble tiny alligators, are even more voracious predators than the adults.

Interestingly, ladybugs are not technically true bugs; they are a type of beetle. Their vibrant colors serve as a warning to predators that they are not a tasty meal. When threatened, they can release a foul-tasting fluid from their leg joints.

To encourage these beneficial insects, consider planting flowers and herbs that attract them, such as native yarrow. They love high grass too, so consider a more natural lawn maintenance plan, rather than cutting it all down every week or two. By creating a hospitable environment, you can enjoy the benefits of these helpful predators all season long.

As we move into July, this is a friendly reminder that your gardening season is far from over. Now is the perfect time for succession planting to ensure a harvest that lasts well into the fall.

Before you sow new seeds, it’s essential to replenish your soil. Your first harvest used valuable nutrients, and amending the bed is the key to a healthy second crop. Simply work a one to two-inch layer of finished compost into the topsoil. This quick step restores the organic matter and nutrients your new plants need to thrive.

For a successful fall harvest here in Colorado, get seeds in the ground soon. Consider planting fast-growing, cool-season crops like carrots, beets, kale, spinach, lettuce, and radishes. Have fun!

This summer, as the temperature rises and you watch the weather for those much-needed rain showers, consider how you can help your garden make the most of every drop. The secret lies in your soil, and the simple addition of compost can make a significant difference in conserving water.

Think of compost as a sponge for your garden beds. When you mix this nutrient-rich organic matter into your soil, you're fundamentally changing its structure for the better. The compost helps to bind small soil particles together, creating larger aggregates. This process opens up pore spaces within the soil, allowing it to absorb and hold onto water much more effectively. Instead of running off or evaporating quickly, rainwater is stored in the soil, readily available for your plants' roots.

By improving your soil's water-holding capacity, you'll find that you need to water your garden less frequently, even during dry spells. Your plants will be more resilient, and you'll be conserving a precious resource. You'll also find new garden-friendly guests, like earthworms, will join the party once the soil is more hospitable. It's a simple, sustainable practice that benefits your garden and the environment.

We believe everyone has the power to make a positive impact on our environment, right from their own backyard. That's why we provide free, accessible resources to help you succeed in composting.

From detailed guides on building your first bin to troubleshooting an existing pile, our goal is to empower you. Our online community forum is a space to connect with fellow composters, share successes, and learn together. These resources are created to support your journey.

Your support keeps this community thriving and our resources free. A donation today directly helps us create more guides, plan future workshops, and expand our reach to help even more people start composting.

Lastly, please share your feedback and questions. We are here to help, and we'd love your input on how best to accomplish that.

Thank you and have an amazing rest of your day!

- The team at Purple Bucket Compost