Frequently Asked Compost Questions
What is your compost made from ?
Our organic compost is made up of all sorts of organic materials including leaves, food waste, manures, paper and cardboard. 30 parts of carbon to one part of nitrogen is best for Top Quality Compost.
Do you sell straight manure ?
No. Straight manure can burn plants and bring in weed seeds and we don’t want that for our customers. We also do not have any available as we use all of what we have for composting.
How can I tell just how much a yard of compost is ?
A yard of compost is a cube 3 feet high; 3 feet long; and 3 feet wide. To give you an idea in real terms, the 8 foot bed of a pickup truck level full is approximately 2 yards of compost.
How much compost should I use?
When preparing your garden area, a two to three inch layer of compost should be applied and tilled into the top six inches of soil.
How often should I apply compost?
In order to keep your soil fertile and high in organic matter, an application every two or three years is important.
How far will one yard of compost go?
One yard of compost, two inches thick, will cover an area of 150 square feet. Three inches thick – a yard will only cover 100 square feet.
Can I apply compost to an existing garden?
YES … Apply a generous amount of compost around your plants and work it into the soil. Top-dressing lawns with compost is also helpful in increasing sod health.
Should compost be used in Raised Beds?
Yes, but with loam. A 50/50 mix of loam and compost is best for raised beds. Also, this mix will be cheaper than the straight compost and still works well.
Should I mix peat with compost when I apply it?
No. Peat is an organic material that will break down in the soil; using valuable nutrients from the soil to do this. Compost will break down but will add nutrients to the soil and not compete for the nutrients with your plants.
Is it a good idea to add compost when planting trees or shrubs ?
Yes. Compost will add moisture holding capacity to the soil as well as let air get to the root; not to mention the availability of nutrients. When planting, dig a hole twice as large and deep as the root ball. Fill the hole back to the proper depth using compost and the soil that was dug out (if it’s good). Using this method will allow the roots to stretch out and grow.
Do not add compost to plants that need an acid-rich soil.
How much compost should I use for good results?
Applying a layer 2 to 4 inches thick and incorporating it into the top 6 inches of your garden works best. An application every two to three years should be practiced.
