Whether you are new to composting or consider yourself a master composter, you may not have considered the benefits of adding volcanic rock dust to your compost pile. Ground up rock material doesn’t usually appear on lists of compostable materials such as “greens” (e.g., grass clippings, hedge trimmings) and “browns” (e.g., fall leaves, wood chips).
Yet the addition of nutrient-rich rock dust will increase the energy level—or heat—of your compost pile. That’s because composting is the result of millions of microorganisms feeding on each other and breaking down the organic matter in the pile. More microbial activity means more heat. More heat means faster composting.
By adding a high quality rock dust like Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster to your compost pile, you are adding another source of nutrition for these microbes. You might even say that you are enhancing the behind-the-scenes “bacterial ballet” that is responsible for the composting process.
Application is simple. Just add a thin layer of rock dust to your compost pile, alternating between layers of carbon-rich materials (“browns”) and nitrogen-rich materials (“greens”). Turn and water as needed to help the compost break down more quickly.
Here are a few other composting tips:
- When adding garden debris to your compost pile, chop or shred materials into pieces 6-inches or smaller. This gives microorganisms more surface area to feed upon and speeds decomposition.
- Make sure your compost pile gets enough air by turning it occasionally. As for water, add enough water so that the compost pile is as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
- If you are adding kitchen scraps to your compost pile, use a compost bin that is resistant to rodents to prevent problems.
- Never add diseased plants or invasive weeds to your compost pile.
Okay, what are you waiting for? Add some rock dust to your compost pile and really get cooking!
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Cascade Minerals all-natural soil booster is made from massive basalt stones from Central Oregon’s legendary Cascade Mountains. We crush these rocks to product a finely ground, 100% natural product that releases the essential minerals and trace elements that plants and humans need to flourish.
