How to Add Iron to Compost

There are natural and chemical methods to add iron to compost.

Iron is not just an essential nutrient for humans, plants require it as well. While most nutrients are easily obtainable in a compost pile, iron can be challenging because few pieces of organic matter contain it. Thankfully, there are two easy ways to add iron. The only question is whether you prefer organic or chemical methods.

Things You'll Need

• Molasses
• Bucket
• Rake
• 10-10-10 fertilizer
• Scoop

Instructions

Natural

1. Add 1/4 cup molasses and 8 cups water to a bucket and mix the molasses into the water until it is completely dissolved.

2. Pour the water and molasses mixture onto the compost heap.

3. Mix the water into the compost heap with a rake.

Chemical

1. Open the package of 10-10-10 fertilizer and remove some from the bag with a scoop.

2. Sprinkle 2 lbs. fertilizer into the pile each time the pile is refilled.

3. Mix the fertilizer into the compost heap with a rake.

References

• Diane's Flower Seeds: My Secret Organic Fertilizer Recipe
• Bob Vila: How To Make A Compost Heap