Looking for an easy, inexpensive and ecological way to grow the best garden ever? Turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into black gold. Compost is a nutrient-rich soil-like material that helps the environment as it helps plants. When used as mulch compost will improve the soil, deter disease, prevent weeds, conserve water, and fertilize plants. Compost happens when the right ratio of nitrogen and carbon-rich organic waste is mixed with soil, water, and air. How it gets from garbage to …