Why organic matter matters for your garden's health

Production of aerobic compost in composting bins. Photo: Dr Muhammad Firdaus Sulaiman/UPM

Organic matter is the foundation of a healthy garden soil. It comprises decomposing plant and animal materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, food scraps and animal wastes.

Organic matter provides a range of advantages, including enhancing soil aeration, boosting the soil’s capacity to retain water and nutrients, strengthening the soil’s resistance to erosion, regulating soil pH, and promoting healthy root development.