a spoonful of sugar...

It's a catchy phrase that sticks in your head and offers some good advice. In the world of gardening "a shovelful of shit" offers similar benefit. What I'm referring to is composted cow manure-or if you are of the vegetarian/vegan persuasion mushroom compost. Compost is a "green" alternative to fertilizer. By amending your soil you increase the organic matter content, improve the physical properties of the soil, and supply some essential nutrients. Compost can also be applied to the soil surface to conserve moisture, control weeds, reduce erosion, improve appearance, and keep the soil from gaining or losing heat too rapidly. So whether you embark on your own backyard composting or buy it bagged at a garden center- compost is essential for healthy plant growth.