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Tips for using compost
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| As a soil amendment |
Work in 2-3 in. of compost into top 6-8 in. of soil when ground is warm and moist.
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| Vegetables |
Amend soil with compost before planting. Side-dress
(mulch) with 2-3 in. of additional compost for intensive cropping
and heavy-feeding plants.
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Annual
flower beds |
Mix 1-2 in. compost into top 2-6 in.
of soil before sowing seeds. Layer 1/2-2 in. compost on top
of soil during growing season. Spread 1-2 in.
partially decomposed compost over planting bed during fall clean-up;
dig it into soil or cover with mulch for winter.
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| Perennials |
Layer 2-4 in. of compost on soil and mix in before planting. Add fresh
compost mulch annually to surrounding soil surface. Dig 2 in. layer of compost into
soil 6-12 in. deep around all perennials just outside root zone.
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| Transplanting |
Mix small amount of compost into each
hole when planting flowers, small perennials and vegetables.
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Trees
and shrubs |
Rake 1-2 in. layer of compost into soil, beginning 6-12 in. from the base
and extending to 1 ft. beyond drip line. Cover with 2-4 in. of mulch.
Apply up to 4 in. of compost to fruit trees and berries. Cover with 4-6 in. of mulch.
Spread a mix of equal amounts compost and soil 1-2 in. thick over root area
where plant roots are close to or protrude above the soil surface.
Cover with mulch.
Avoid use of compost or other amendments in planting holes for trees and larger shrubs. Roots
may not spread into native soil. Instead, spread 2 in. of compost on soil surface around
the plant, water it in, and cover with mulch.
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| Lawns |
Spread sifted compost 1/4 in. thick in fall and early spring. For best results, aerate lawn before
spreading and rake in after. In most cases applications of compost will reduce need
for other lawn fertilizers.
Prepare for new lawn by mixing 2-3 in. of compost uniformly into the top 6-8 in. of soil
before seeding.
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| Propagation mix |
Mix up to 20% sifted compost with uniform mix of sand, perlite, vermiculite or potting
soil for starting seedlings.
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| Potting mix |
Mix sifted compost with equal parts garden soil and perlite
or lava rock. In a soilless mix, use 30% compost, more for
moisture-loving plants.
Use sifted compost as a top dressing for container plants.
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Try these variations on composting
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| Sheet composting |
Spread leaves or plant residues over soil surface in fall. Turn materials into
soil or wait until spring.
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| Compost tea |
Soak compost in water (a burlap bag is useful) to make a liquid fertilizer.
Use compost tea to water transplants, garden flowers, vegetables, and container
plants. Apply to soil or use half-strength as a foliar spray.
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| Trench or posthole composting |
Bury garden residues and kitchen wastes (not meat or bones)
12 in. deep in garden.
Soil is ready for planting in 2-6 months. |
