There may be many reasons that some of us are reluctant to make or use compost. You may think its labor intensive and time consuming. You may incorrectly believe that all compost piles are smelly and messy and not want that in your backyard. Or you just may want to avoid the hassle of learning about composting, and instead continue to buy mulch, soil and fertilizers from your garden store.

Here are some compelling reasons to start your own compost pile, bin or barrel. It is my wish that you are so motivated to start that you are running out the door before you reach the end of the list! These are in no particular order of importance:

1. The materials you use to compost are free and easily available. Compared with the ever-increasing cost of commercially available fertilizers and mulches, composting is a bargain that can’t be beat. You’ll need a little time and effort to find suitable materials and to set up the pile, but after that, it’s free.
2. My compost provides a wider variety of minerals and nutrients than commercial fertilizers do. The potency also lasts longer. And if your ingredients are organized just so, the nutrient range is increased.
3. A third good reason is the benefit that compost has for the actual structure of the soil. Compost can aid soil to be more erosion-resistant and improve water retention. In clay soil, which can be as hard as cement, it can reduce compacting and allow for better aeration.
4. Some studies have found that utilizing compost can curb disease growth in crops, which are then better equipped naturally to resist insect infestations.
5. Field observations have indicated that compost-grown crops grow produce that can be stored for longer periods of time.
6. Compost also can be used as a remedy for earth that has been polluted with agricultural pesticides.  It can help create balance in the amounts of acidity in the soil, and assists farmers to go green and chemical free after using synthetic products on their crops.
7. Industrial composting techniques can also kill weeds, disease-carrying organisms and pests in compost material. This is called high-temperature composting, and is not anything to be used in your backyard, but is still a compelling reason to encourage communities to compost.
8. Any organic material that you put in a compost pile doesn’t end up in a landfill.

This list contains my top reasons for composting.  A couple items do not affect me directly, but are still good motivation to start your own “black gold” pile.