Composted Soil for Healthy Lawns and Gardens

Using composted soil can be a game-changer for your lawn and garden. Compost is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes that help plants grow strong and healthy.

Compost can improve soil structure by increasing water retention and aeration. This leads to healthier roots and a more resilient lawn and garden.

Adding compost to your soil can also reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the environment. Compost is a natural and sustainable way to feed your plants.

By incorporating composted soil into your gardening routine, you can enjoy a more vibrant and thriving lawn and garden with minimal maintenance and upkeep.

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Compost is made from a wide range of organic materials, including yard debris, forestry products, crop residue, manures from livestock, food scraps, and mushroom production waste.

The source materials are often mixed together in the composting process, which affects the quality of the final product. Quality depends on the type of raw materials and the compost production method.

Compost products vary, and it's essential to choose the right one for your needs. Consider what you're using the compost for and what kind of materials you want to add to your soil.

Here are some common compost source materials:

Before buying bulk compost or soil mix, ask the vendor about testing and analysis. Find out if they test for herbicide residues, provide an analysis of their materials, and protect the finished product from windblown weed seed.

Choosing the right compost product can be overwhelming, but it's essential to get it right. Compost is made from a wide range of organic materials, including yard debris, forestry products, and food scraps from homes and businesses.

The type of raw materials used can significantly impact compost quality. For example, compost made from manures from chicken, cows, and other livestock can be rich in nutrients.

Compost products vary in terms of their source materials and production methods. Some composts may contain a mix of yard debris and forestry products, while others may be made from a single type of material, such as food scraps.

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to know what to look for in a compost product. Here are some common types of compost source materials:

Before buying bulk compost, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure you're getting a high-quality product. Consider using a full unit of compost for larger jobs, as it can cover more area.

One cubic yard of compost equals 27 cubic feet of material, and can cover an 800-square-foot area about 3 inches deep. You can also ask the vendor if they test their products for herbicide residues, as basic lab testing might not indicate contamination.

Ask the vendor about the analysis of their materials, including soil pH, percentage of organic matter, and N-P-K. This will give you an idea of what you're getting. The finished product should be stored under tarps or protected from windblown weed seed.

The moisture content of the finished product is also crucial. Wet compost (greater than 60% moisture content) is clumpy and doesn't spread well, while dry compost (less than 40% moisture content) creates dust and is difficult to incorporate.

Here's a quick checklist to help you evaluate a bulk compost vendor:

Bags can be a convenient option for smaller composting jobs. A single 1-cubic foot bag of compost covers 12 square feet of area to a depth of 1 inch, making it ideal for vegetable gardening.

For new vegetable and landscape beds, a single 1-cubic foot bag of compost will cover an area 2 feet long x 2 feet wide (4 square feet) with 3 inches of compost. This is a great option for smaller projects.

To cover 100 square feet of area with compost 3 inches deep, it would take 25 1-cubic foot bags. This can be a significant amount of compost, so consider your physical abilities and cost before deciding to purchase bagged compost.

If you're new to composted soil, you might be wondering what to expect. Composted soil can be a bit denser than regular soil, which can make it harder to dig into.

You can expect the smell of composted soil to be earthy and rich, often described as having a sweet or fruity aroma. This is due to the breakdown of organic matter.

As you work with composted soil, you'll notice it's easier to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Smell is a great indicator of compost quality. A high-quality compost should smell earthy like forest soil.

If it has a foul odor or smells like ammonia or sulfur, it's likely that the composting process isn't complete. This can be a sign that the compost is still breaking down and not yet ready for use.

The ideal compost smell is a sign that the compost is finished and ready to be used in your garden.

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Nitrogen release can be a slow process, taking a few months for bacteria in the soil to convert nutrients from compost and manure into forms that plants can use.

This is also true of cover crops like clover that are planted as green manures during the off-season, requiring additional nitrogen supplements during the growing season.

Most vegetables will need two or three applications of nitrogen to maximize yield, and since nitrogen only lasts a few weeks, it's essential to apply fertilizers about a month apart during the growing season.

You can use synthetic fertilizers, which are easy to broadcast or side-dress around the stem of the plants, but if you prefer natural fertilizers, options include blood meal (12% nitrogen) and fish emulsion (5% nitrogen).

There are several types of compost that can be used to create composted soil.

Green compost is made from high-nitrogen materials like food scraps and grass clippings.

Brown compost, on the other hand, is made from high-carbon materials like dried leaves and twigs.

Food waste compost is a type of green compost that's specifically made from kitchen scraps and other organic materials.

Composting animal manure can also be done, but it requires special care to avoid contamination.

Bulk compost is a convenient option for larger jobs, as it comes in increments of cubic yards.

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet of material, making it easy to calculate the right amount for your needs.

Bulk compost deliveries are based on a flat fee, not on the amount delivered, which can save you money in the long run.

For example, 7.5 cubic yards of compost covers an 800-square-foot area about 3 inches deep.

It's worth considering using a full unit of compost for larger projects, as it can be more cost-effective than buying smaller quantities.

The 50/50 Blend is a great option for those looking to create a new lawn. This mix is made up of 50% Organic Compost and 50% 1/2″minus screened local soil, which has a sandy loam soil structure.

You can apply 4 to 5 inches of this blend to the surface of your desired lawn area and seed it. This blend is a great way to get started with a new lawn, but keep in mind that the topsoil component is not guaranteed to be weed seed or pathogen free.

The 50/50 Blend is priced at $83 per yard, $11.50 per cubic foot bag, or $133 per 1-yard tote.

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You can add 3–4 inches of compost to new vegetable beds. For existing beds, add one-quarter to 1 inch of compost per year.

Compost is essential for vegetable gardens. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

To spread the compost, use a wheelbarrow, 5-gallon bucket, shovel, or rake. It's also helpful to have a digging fork or spade to mix the compost with other amendments.

Compost can be added to the top 8–12 inches of soil. Loosening the soil with a digging fork or spade decreases compaction and increases air in the soil.

Raised beds use retaining walls to hold in soil. They can be made into any shape and are ideal for wheelchair-accessible gardening.

For raised beds, mix in 2–3 inches of compost or soil mix with other amendments like lime. You can also use excavated soil with compost mixed in.

Bulk soil mixes from landscape supply companies can be used for larger jobs. A common mix includes equal parts topsoil, sand, and compost.

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Expect your newly filled raised beds to sink over time as the compost decomposes. Refill the beds as needed.

Here's a rough guide to mixing compost into soil:

Keep in mind that compost can be added to the top 8–12 inches of soil.

Compost is a game-changer for lawns, improving soil structure and supporting healthy grass growth. Adding compost stimulates soil microbe activity, which is essential for a lush and vibrant lawn.

To install a new lawn, apply 1–2 inches of compost to the area as you prepare the soil, and rototill it in to mix it with the existing soil. Excess tillage can damage the soil structure, so be mindful of this when rototilling.

A thin layer of compost can also be used as mulch after seeding, retaining soil moisture and promoting seed sprouting and early growth. This is especially beneficial for new lawns, where seedlings need all the help they can get.

For existing lawns, topdressing with compost is a great way to improve soil conditions. This involves spreading compost one-quarter to one-half inch deep across the lawn area, filling in holes left by core aeration.

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Starting a new lawn installation? Begin by applying a thin layer of compost over the worksite and mix it in with a rake or rototiller.

This simple step stimulates soil microbe activity, which supports improved soil structure. Adding 1–2 inches of compost to the area as you prepare the soil is a great place to start.

Rototill the compost into the soil, but be aware that excess tillage can damage soil structure. It's a delicate balance, but the end result is worth it.

Use a thin layer of compost as mulch after seeding, as it retains soil moisture. This is essential for seed sprouting and early growth.

A wire mesh cylinder or mulch roller tool can be used to apply a thin layer of mulch to the surface. It's a handy tool to have on hand, and can be rented at a local tool center.

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If you're looking to give your existing lawn a boost, topdressing with compost is a great option. Adding compost can improve soil conditions for grass growth.

Late spring and early fall are the best times of year for this work, as new seeds will sprout quickly when the soil temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

First, mow the lawn short to expose the soil surface. Use a bagging mower or a rake to collect the cut grass, or even better, use a dethatching machine to thin the grass.

A core aerating machine is then used on the lawn area to poke holes in the soil surface and leave the plugs of soil on the surface. Breaking up the plugs with a rake will help prepare the soil for the compost.

To top dress your lawn, spread compost one-quarter to one-half inch deep across the lawn area. This will fill in the holes left by core aeration and amend the soil with lime and other fertilizers if indicated by a soil test.

You can then use a seeder to spread seed over the entire lawn area, helping to fill in gaps in the lawn and create a dense stand of turf. Applying seed over an existing lawn is called overseeding.

To keep the seedbed evenly moist until the seeds sprout, you'll need to water three to four times per day. Be ready to keep the soil and seeds from drying out.

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Compost and soil mix products sometimes contain herbicide residue. This residue can damage certain vegetable, fruit, and flower crops.

The residue likely comes from contaminated hay, grass clippings, or manure. These materials may make their way into the regional composting system.

Contaminated hay and grass clippings can be a major source of herbicide residue in compost and soil mix products.

Composting soil can be a great way to improve the health of your garden, but it's not without its challenges. Be mindful of the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, as a balance of 2/3 "brown" materials (like leaves or straw) to 1/3 "green" materials (like food scraps or grass clippings) is ideal.

To avoid attracting pests, keep the compost pile away from your garden and other areas where animals may be drawn to the smell. This will also help prevent the spread of disease.

If you notice your compost pile is too dry, add some water to maintain a moist consistency, but be careful not to overdo it – too much moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions.

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Our top tip is to not fill raised beds with just compost alone. Compost lacks the mineral component of earthen soil and planting mixes, making it necessary to mix it with these materials to support plant growth.

You should also be aware that compost must be mixed with native soil or a soil mix to create a balanced growing environment. This combination will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Native soil is essential for providing the mineral component that compost lacks. Mixing it with compost will create a well-rounded soil that will support healthy plant growth.

Don't make the mistake of using compost as the only filling material in your raised beds. This will lead to poor plant growth and potentially even plant death.

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To avoid problems, it's essential to be aware of common pitfalls. Be cautious of over-reliance on credit cards, as they can lead to debt and financial difficulties.

Don't ignore warning signs, such as unusual account activity or high interest rates. These can be indicative of a larger issue.

Make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of any loan or credit agreement. This can help prevent costly surprises down the line.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%. This can help maintain a healthy credit score and avoid potential problems.

Avoid making large purchases on credit cards during times of financial stress, as this can exacerbate existing issues.

Composting resources are abundant, thanks to universities and extension services providing valuable information. Oregon State University Extension Service has published several guides on improving garden soils with organic matter and raised bed gardening.

Some notable resources include the EC 156 guide by Bell et al. (2017) and the FS 270 guide by Edmunds (2020). These guides offer practical advice on composting and gardening.

Composting can be a cost-effective option, especially for small gardens. A 40-pound bag of compost costs around $5, making it a more affordable choice than fertilizer. However, the cost difference becomes less practical for larger gardens.

Here's a comparison of the costs of different fertilizers and composting materials:

As you can see, composting can be a more affordable option for small gardens.

If you're interested in learning more about compost and how to use it effectively, there are some great resources available. The Oregon State University Extension Service has published several guides on the topic, including "Improving garden soils with organic matter" and "Raised bed gardening".

Compost can be a valuable tool for improving soil health, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. According to Penn State Extension, using composts to improve turf performance requires careful consideration of factors like soil type and climate.

If you're new to composting, it can be helpful to start with a simple guide like the one from University of Missouri Extension, "Making and Using Compost". This guide provides a clear overview of the composting process and offers tips for getting started.

Some popular resources for learning about compost and gardening include the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Extension. These organizations offer a range of guides and tips on topics like accessible gardening and soil health.

Here are some specific resources to consider:

A 40-pound bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer costs about $20, which is a significant amount for a small garden. However, it's worth noting that a 40-pound bag of compost costs about $5.

You'd need about 70 pounds of compost to add the same amount of nutrients as 10 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer. This is a substantial amount of compost, especially if you're just starting out.

A single 25-pound bag of cow manure costs about $3, which may seem like a good deal at first. However, you'd need 32 bags to get the equivalent amount of nutrients as a 40-pound bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer.

Transporting bulk compost or manure can be a real challenge, especially if you have a large garden. For example, you'd need to transport about 280 pounds of compost to get the same amount of nutrients as a 40-pound bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer.

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Using "free" sources of cow manure from a local farm can be a gamble, as it may contain viable weed seeds and foodborne pathogens like E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria.

You're better off buying commercially bagged manure or bulk compost from a local farm supply store to avoid these issues.

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