Adding Compost/Manure

If sunlight is the energy for plants, then compost and manure are their balanced diet. Many people think plants only need water, but That's like saying humans only need water to survive. Without food, we get weak — the same happens with plants.

🍂 What is Compost?

Compost is nothing but rotted organic matter — kitchen waste, dry leaves, garden scraps that have broken down into rich, dark soil. It is full of nutrients and tiny living organisms that keep plants healthy.

It improves:

• Soil texture: Makes soil soft and airy.
• Nutrients: Provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (the main plant foods).
• Water retention: Helps soil hold moisture longer.
• Plant strength: Keeps leaves greener and flowers brighter.

🐄 What is Manure?

Manure is mostly animal waste (like cow dung) that has been dried or composted. In villages, it's very common, but in cities, you can also buy it in packets. it's a natural fertilizer and works slowly but steadily.

• Cow dung manure: The most popular. Mild and safe for most plants.
• Vermicompost: Made using earthworms. Rich and highly effective.
• Goat or poultry manure: Stronger, so must be used in smaller amounts.

🧑‍ How Much to Add and When?

Here's a simple guide for quantities:

• For pots: Add 1 handful (about 50–70 g) of compost/manure per pot every 15–20 days.
• For beds/soil: Mix 2–3 kg compost per square meter of soil before planting.
• For fruit trees: Dig a ring around the tree and add 2–5 kg compost every 2–3 months.

⚖️ Compost vs. Fertilizer

Understand the differences:

Think of fertilizers as junk food and compost as home-cooked food. Junk food fills you quickly but harms you later. Home food keeps you strong for life.

🌿 When to Add Compost/Manure

Timing is important:

• While preparing soil before sowing.
• Every 2–3 weeks during plant growth.
• More often during flowering and fruiting stages (plants need extra nutrition).

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't make these errors:

• Adding fresh manure directly → it's too strong and may burn roots. Always use dried or composted manure.
• Overfeeding → more compost does't always mean better. Too much makes soil heavy and smelly. Stick to the right quantity.
• Forgetting drainage → compost holds water, so make sure your pot has a hole at the bottom.

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this simple activity:

• Take one pot of spinach or tomato.
• Add a handful of compost around the base, mix gently with the topsoil.
• Water lightly.
• Observe after 7–10 days — the leaves will look greener, and growth will be faster compared to a pot without compost.