Compost and mulch are like the dynamic duo of the gardening world, each playing its own crucial role in promoting a healthy and thriving garden. While they might seem similar at first glance, they are quite different.
Compost
Compost is like the nutrient-rich superfood for your soil! It’s a mixture of decomposed organic matter, often made from kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other biodegradable materials, and packed with essential nutrients such as:
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Nitrogen (a building block for growing new stems and leaves, plus it’s a necessary part of chlorophyll, which makes the leaves green and helps plants photosynthesise).
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Phosphorus (needed for developing flowers, fruits, and root systems).
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Potassium (keeps roots health and aids in the development of flowers and fruit, and root systems).
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Micronutrients (such as iron, manganese, copper, and zinc).
This organic goodness improves soil structure, boosts water retention, and encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms. It's like giving your garden a spa day – pampering the soil to ensure it's in top-notch condition and stays that way.
Mulch
Mulch is more like a protective blanket for your garden. It’s a layer of material, often made from things such as straw, wood chips, leaves or pebbles, spread over the surface of garden soil.
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It shields your garden from the elements, acting as a natural insulator, regulating soil temperature by keeping it cooler in the scorching heat and warmer during colder nights.
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It helps prevent weed growth by blocking sunlight.
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It reduces water evaporation from the soil, particularly in hot weather.
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Plus, some mulching materials break down over time, contributing organic matter to the soil, adding just a hint of compost-like magic!
In a nutshell, compost is like the vitamins and minerals you consume for a healthy body, while mulch is the cosy blanket you wrap around yourself for protection and comfort.
