The key to good soil is composting

The most important thing you can do for any garden is to build quality soil.

A good soil foundation will produce healthy root systems which means healthy plants.

The best way to build good soil is to add compost. International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is May 5-11.

The goal of the ICAW is to raise public awareness on why we should use compost to create healthier soil.

Composting and its benefits:Composting reduces our carbon footprint by reusing and recycling food and yard waste. When added to soil, compost helps clay soil drain better and sandy soil to retain moisture. Compost provides nutrients to the soil long term; it contains beneficial organisms that build up the soil and make nutrients available to plants.

Making your own compost is easy and can be done on a large or small scale. If you don't have room for a traditional compost area, there are small tumblers you can buy or you can make compost tea or try vermicomposting with worms.

Everything you need to know to start your own composting is on the compost resources page of the home and garden section of our website. You'll find several videos and suggestions to find the best composting option for you; visit https://cceoneida.com/home-garden/gardening/compost-resources .

If making your own compost isn't feasible, consider buying it.

Most local retailers sell compost. You can also buy compost from the Oneida County Solid Waste Authority (OCSWA), either by the bag or in bulk.  Visit their website at https://www.ohswa.org/compost/compost-information/purchase-compost/ or call them at (315) 733-1224 for more information.

How to use compost: Add compost around existing plants and work it into the soil. Add it to topsoil to enrich new garden beds. Use compost in garden containers; use no more than half compost with the other half potting soil. Compost makes for excellent mulch too, breaking down and providing nutrients to the soil.

Soil rich in compost is alive, supporting beneficial organisms protecting lawns and gardens from disease pathogens. The theme of this year's ICAW is "Compost -- Nature's Climate Champion."  Why not be a climate champion yourself and add compost to your gardens this year!

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333.   Leave your question, name and phone number.  Questions are answered on weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: The key to good soil is composting