There isn't a single "best" organic matter for all soils and situations; the ideal choice depends on your soil type and gardening goals. However, well-rotted compost is generally considered an excellent all-around amendment.
Here's a breakdown of common organic matter options and their benefits:
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Compost: Provides a wide range of nutrients, improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and supports beneficial soil microbes. Garden compost, composted green waste, and composted bark are good options.
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Well-Rotted Manure: Rich in nutrients (especially nitrogen), improves soil structure and water-holding capacity. Ensure it's well-rotted to avoid burning plants or introducing weed seeds.
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Leaf Mold: Excellent for improving soil structure and water retention. It's essentially decomposed leaves and breaks down slower than compost, providing a longer-lasting benefit.
Ultimately, the best approach is often to use a combination of different organic matter sources to provide a diverse range of benefits to your soil. Also, remember to only use materials that are well-rotted to avoid depleting nitrogen from the soil.
