How to Use Compost

There are various ways to use your finished compost. You can sprinkle compost on top or mix it into your flower and vegetable beds, gently rake compost into tree beds, blend it with potting soil to revitalize indoor plants, or spread it on top of the soil on your lawn as a soil amendment.

When should you put compost on your garden?
Can I just put compost on top of soil?
Can you plant directly into compost?
How do you compost for beginners?
Can you put too much compost on your garden?
Should I add compost to my garden every year?

When should you put compost on your garden?

Fall is the best time to apply the compost, although an application in early spring is almost as effective. A compost mulch can benefit trees and shrubs just as it does other plants. Spread a ½” to 1″ layer of compost on the bare soil under the tree as far as the drip line.

Can I just put compost on top of soil?

All soils can be improved with the addition of compost. ... Spread the compost in a thick layer on top of exposed soil. Worms and other creatures will help the compost meld with the soil. Mulching is not only an easy way to apply compost but also keeps down weeds and helps your soil retain moisture.

Can you plant directly into compost?

Growing plants in pure compost can cause problems with water retention and stability as well. ... So while it may be tempting, planting in pure compost is not a good idea. That's not to say you shouldn't plant in compost at all. Just an inch or two of good compost mixed with your existing topsoil is all your plants need.

How do you compost for beginners?

How to Compost

Start your compost pile on bare earth. ...
Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep. ...
Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry. ...
Add manure, green manure (clover, buckwheat, wheatgrass, grass clippings) or any nitrogen source. ...
Keep compost moist.

Can you put too much compost on your garden?

You Can have Too Much Compost. Compost is a good source of nutrients, and it builds soil structure – both are good for plants. But too much compost can be a problem. ... Keep using compost, but don't add more than an inch or two a year on your landscape plants.

Should I add compost to my garden every year?

Apply compost once per year if you live in cooler climes, such as the Northeast or Midwest United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, where there's one major growing season — from late spring to early fall.