Composting tips, advice and science.

Compost Science

The process of how compost is made – and how it benefits soil and plants – is fascinating. It’s also useful, as an awareness can help you create faster compost, better soil and healthy, luxurious plants.

If you’re new to the science of composting, we suggest starting with The Science of Compost – How Compost Happens!

Ai image of compost being added to a raised bed with Aragula being grown.

Scientists Report: Vermicompost Grows Plants 38% Taller

Scientists have discovered that applying relatively small amounts of vermicompost can improve germination rates, plant size, and growth speed—and there are some great lessons for gardeners buried in their study. The scientists experimented with the impact of the Californian compost worm, Eisenia andrei Bouche, on arugula plants. First, they created vermicompost over eight months, using

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My garden in the snow.

Frozen Compost? Don’t Panic—Here’s What’s Happening Inside

Even in my relatively mild climate, winter temperatures occasionally dip as low as -7°C (19°F), and the surface of compost can freeze. While it’s not a frequent occurrence here, I know many composters live in much colder regions and wonder what happens when their compost piles freeze over. Fortunately, even when your compost seems to

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Azteca ants on a Cecropia tree.

The Secret Compost Masters of the Tropics: Azteca Ants and Cecropia Trees

In the dense, buzzing rainforests of Central and South America, an extraordinary story of mutual survival is unfolding in the canopies. Meet the Azteca ants and their Cecropia tree hosts—partners in one of nature’s most fascinating composting systems. A partnership built over millenia The Azteca-Cecropia relationship is a relationship that has developed over millions of

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