Don't throw away old compost: 'Do this so you can use it again'

As summer gradually comes to an end and the days spent gardening become shorter, many gardeners are beginning to think about autumn clean-up. One common dilemma involves what to do with the old compost left in bins and containers. While the initial thought might be to discard it, experts recommend the opposite approach. With a few simple tricks, used compost can become a valuable resource that enriches soil and prepares it for fall planting. Gardening expert Michael Griffiths, known for his practical advice shared online, recently demonstrated how last year's compost doesn't need to be thrown away, it can easily be revived and reused. His method saves money, reduces waste, and significantly improves soil quality. In a video, he advised, “Don’t throw away last year’s compost. Do this so you can reuse it.” He outlined a process starting with spreading the old compost onto a surface or into a large container. The next step was removing all old roots, weeds, and stones. Then, he recommended breaking it down by hand until it became fine, followed by adding a handful of general-purpose fertilizer. After cleaning and enriching the compost with basic nutrients, the key step came next. Griffiths explained, “Add a bit of fresh compost or well-decomposed manure to bring it back to life. A good rule is one part fresh material to two parts old compost.” Finally, everything should be thoroughly mixed so the components combine, making the compost ready for new use. The importance of reusing compost goes beyond cost savings and waste reduction. It has deeper significance for the health of your garden. According to the Mirror, using compost in this way acts as an excellent soil regenerator. It improves the structure and aeration of heavy clay soils, while helping sandy soils retain necessary moisture, especially during hot summer days. Old compost, though possibly lacking some nutrients like nitrogen, still contains an abundance of beneficial microorganisms. When introduced into the soil, these microbes aid in further decomposition of organic matter and the formation of humus, a crucial component of fertile soil. Additionally, old or compacted compost serves as an excellent winter mulch or top layer that helps suppress weed growth and retains moisture around existing plants. Now is the perfect time to put revitalized compost to its best use. As you harvest the last fruits of tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins, the beds slowly empty and prepare for fall planting. Enriched old compost is ideal for preparing these beds. Simply incorporate it into the topsoil to create optimal conditions for planting crops such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, watercress, and radishes, which are typically sown towards the end of summer. Plants that are still producing fruit will also benefit from additional feeding. You can even make a so-called "compost tea" by soaking old compost in water and using the resulting liquid to water your plants. Many have wondered how often they should replace soil or compost in pots and containers. Guidelines suggest doing so once every one to two years. However, if the previous plant in the pot was affected by pests or disease, the compost should be replaced immediately to prevent the spread of infection. In conclusion, throwing away old compost represents a loss of a valuable resource. By reviving and reusing it, you not only follow principles of sustainable gardening but also invest in the long-term health and fertility of your garden.