There are different schools of thought concerning methods for composting, for flower gardens the mixture should be made in layers using nothing except green organic materials. Those who have a disdain for using chemical fertilizers can create their own compost pile using organic waste material to use on their garden either in the garden itself or in separate containers. Three different drums are recommended, but need is based on the amount of composting for flower gardens on an individual basis.

Several gardeners shy away from composting due to the attraction it has on bugs, bees and in some cases wild animals such as raccoons and possum, however if they leave out the old cooked or raw meat, it will not attract those animals nor will dogs and cats be tempted to dig through it for the flavors they smell. Keeping a tight lid on the container will also make composting for flower gardens less of an aroma nuisance as it matures.

Using three containers helps maintain the proper mixture throughout the process. Whether in summer or winter, composting for flower gardens can begin in the first barrel, or other suitable container. Layers of green organic waste is placed in the container, topped with a layer of dirt from the garden. As the materials compost they get hot and when they begin to cool, they can be moved to a second container with a pitchfork, essentially reversing the order in which they are in the first container.

On-Site Composting For Flower Gardens

To move away from the container method of creating composting, some will dig a trench in the garden in an area that they know will be between rows. Usually, it is about three or four feet long and at least a foot deep. The compost materials are placed directly into the trench in layers and the materials used in composting for flower gardens is ready to use when the planting season begins.

While it can take two to three weeks between turnings of the compost, with in-the-ground composting for flower gardens it will serve as an attraction for many bugs and creepy-crawlers.

One of the easiest methods for composting for flower gardens is through the use of mulch. Spreading natural mulch over the surface of the flower bed between rows and between plants, the wood will slowly dissolve into the ground carrying all the nutrients contained in the wood into the soil. The mulch also serves to keep the moisture in the ground and the plant roots cool during hot, sunny days.