Compost is one of the richest, most fertile substances in the world, containing all the nutrients needed for trees, shrubs, and plants to grow. Compost has a multitude of uses in landscaping and gardening, one of the reasons why gardeners often have compost bins. Below is a list of five excellent uses for compost in your yard and garden.

1. Improving soil quality

If you have poor soil in your area, compost is the ideal way to repair it. Regardless of whether your soil is too sandy, contains too much clay, is too acidic or too alkaline, with compost and time, your soil can go from bad to outstanding. Simply dump some compost on top of the soil and till it in thoroughly. This process is best done in the fall, so as to allow sufficient time for soil improvement before spring planting time.

2. Fertilizing existing plants

To fertilize existing plants, shrubs, and trees, simply add some compost to the soil around the base of the plant. If you are dealing with a deep rooted plant, you may be able to till it into the soil ever so slightly. But in most cases, to avoid damaging any root structures, it's best to just sprinkle the compost lightly around the base of the plant. Eventually, with rainfall and watering, the nutrients will trickle down into the soil to the plant's roots.

3. Starting seeds

Young seedlings require a lot of nutrients to get off to a good, healthy start. Many times, seeds are started in a peat moss mixture, but compost will also do quite well. It's advisable to mix your compost with some soil, to an approximate 50/50 ratio, and then plant the seeds in that soil mixture for optimal germination.

4. Growing new sod

Many of us have areas in our yards that could use refreshed. Perhaps the lawn has not been damaged in some way, and it's time to start some new grass from seed. Compost can aid greatly in this process. Once the old grass has been removed, you can lay your grass seed and then sprinkle over with a generous layer of compost. This will serve two purposes. First, it will provide much needed nutrients to the grass seedlings, helping them grow quickly. Second, it will cover the seeds up sufficiently so that birds don't eat all the seed before it has a chance to germinate.

5. Enriching planting holes

If you are preparing to plant some new trees, shrubs, or other plants, compost is a great way to enrich the planting hole before putting the new plant in. Simply dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the transplant, and slightly deeper than needed. Next, add several shovelfuls of compost. Now, put the plant in and backfill with dirt. The compost placed in the bottom of the hole will provide nutrients that are immediately available to the plant's root system, helping it get a good start.

Compost is endlessly useful in gardening and yard work, and acts as one of the best fertilizers you can buy. The best part is that compost is actually free if you make your own, which is quite simple if you have a backyard composting bin or tumbler.