Reasons people do not compost

by Curtis Smith, PhD, NMSU Extension Specialist

Q. I have noticed garbage bags filled with leaves in front of many houses recently. Why do people not use these leaves to make compost or mulch for their gardens? Their leaves are a valuable resource?

No Name Please
Albuquerque

A. There are many reasons that people do not compost their leaves and other lawn waste (and kitchen vegetable waste). Some do not compost because they are busy and consider it too much trouble. These are good people to ask for their leaves so that you can compost them and improve your garden. Some are afraid it will stink. These people are good candidates for encouraging and teaching to compost.

Many people have no idea how much compost improves their gardens. The recycling of nutrients back into the landscape is important, the water-holding and soil improving capabilities of compost improve water use in the garden and make the soil easier to work each year. (continued at SW Yard and Garden column December 5, 2009