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Adding manure to home gardens can be beneficial when handled properly. CAES News
Safely Use Manure 06/16/25 Emily Cabrera
Each year, as planting season approaches, one of the most common questions Robyn Stewart receives is how to safely and effectively use manure in home gardens. Stewart, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Lincoln County, said the benefit of incorporating manure into garden soil is that it provides some fertility and nutritional value, but the real advantage is in the addition of organic matter, which improves soil composition and drainage.
iStock image - a close up of hands scraping food from a cutting board into a compost bin. CAES News
Composting 101 05/21/25 Emily Cabrera, Jordan Powers
In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the science behind composting with two University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts — what composting is, why it matters and how you can start doing it right at home. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to improve your bin game, this episode breaks down the basics, offers beginner-friendly tips and shares the real-life benefits of turning your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Plus, learn how composting can save you money and help the planet, one banana peel at a time.
UGArden serves as a drop-off point for Athens-Clarke County composting. Anyone can drop off compostable materials at the farm at no charge. For information visit ugarden.uga.edu/home/compost-information. CAES News
Composting Tips 12/05/23 Laura Ney
Composting has become a popular topic in recent years, and many of us have heard that it is something we should be doing in some form. But why? There are many reasons that individuals, communities and governments promote composting, with some focused on diverting compostable waste from landfills and others who are in it for the dirt.
You would need about 70 pounds of compost to add the same amount of nutrients as 10 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer (containing 10% each nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). CAES News
Compost and Fertilizer 03/18/22 Paul Pugliese
The value of compost to a garden is probably not what most people think. Compost is not a substitute for fertilizer if you’re trying to grow crops that have a high nutrient demand. The real value of adding composted amendments to your garden is to loosen the soil and minimize compaction, improve the drainage and aeration of clay soils, and increase the nutrient-holding capacity of your soil.
Perfect composting conditions require the perfect combination of materials — not too much brown matter, not too much green matter, not too cold and not too dry. CAES News
Composting 101 05/02/19 Lisa Sehannie
International Compost Awareness Week is May 5 to 11 and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices across the state are prepared to provide advice for homeowners who want to start recycling their food and landscape waste into compost to improve their soil.
To maintain a healthy compost pile, you need to maintain the proper moisture level. Compost organisms need water to survive and function at their best. Inadequate water will inhibit the activities of compost organisms, resulting in a slower compost process. If the pile is too moist, water will displace air and create anaerobic conditions. The moisture level of a compost pile should be roughly 40 to 60 percent. CAES News
International Compost Week 05/03/18 Lisa Sehannie
Use a compost bin to turn fruit and vegetable scraps and lawn debris into rich compost to feed vegetable gardens and landscape plants.
Tomato transplants grown from seeds are ready to begin an adjustment to outdoor temperatures. CAES News
Winter Chores 02/01/18 Mary Carol Sheffield
February is here and, even though it is cold outside, many garden tasks can be completed now in preparation for a successful growing season. From starting seeds indoors to cleaning and sharpening garden tools, there are plenty of garden chores to do before spring arrives.
Yellow leaves on a tree in the fall of the year CAES News
Mower Mulching 08/31/17 Frank M. Watson
Everyone loves to have good shade trees in their yard, but once summer is over, most people despise dealing with fallen leaves. There is an option that avoids having to rake leaves altogether: Let your mower do the work.
To maintain a healthy compost pile, you need to maintain the proper moisture level. Compost organisms need water to survive and function at their best. Inadequate water will inhibit the activities of compost organisms, resulting in a slower compost process. If the pile is too moist, water will displace air and create anaerobic conditions. The moisture level of a compost pile should be roughly 40 to 60 percent. CAES News
Composting Tips 08/31/17 Lisa Sehannie
To maintain a healthy compost pile, you need to maintain the proper moisture level. Compost organisms are like people — both need water to survive and function at their best. Inadequate water will inhibit the activities of compost organisms, resulting in a slower compost process. A high temperature is also desirable in a backyard compost pile, as it accelerates decomposition.
Earthworms in a healthy compost bin in middle Georgia. CAES News
Compost Critters 04/27/17 Merritt Melancon
Gardeners are likely to see a whole community of living things in their compost piles — from millipedes and roaches to worms and small mammals. While most of this activity is natural and great for compost, some uninvited guests can indicate a problem with the compost pile.