When it comes to landscaping and gardening, compost and mulch are often misunderstood. At Dakota Prairie Composting (part of the SMSC’s commitment to sustainability), these products enhance the soil and help us all work toward environmental stewardship and plant health.
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions and dig into the real benefits of compost and mulch made right here in our community.
MYTH #1: Compost is just old food scraps, yard waste, or dirt.
FACT: Dakota Prairie Composting uses a state-of-the-art aerated static pile system to transform organic materials into nutrient-rich compost. The result is a clean, odor-controlled product that supports healthy soil and plant growth—far beyond what raw scraps or regular dirt could do.
MYTH #2: Mulch is only for decoration.
FACT: While Dakota Prairie Composting’s colored mulches (like black, red, and gold) do enhance landscaping aesthetics, they also serve practical purposes: retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature. Our natural hardwood mulch even improves soil health over time.
MYTH #3: All compost is the same.
FACT: Dakota Prairie Composting offers several compost blends tailored to specific needs—like Garden Blend, Rain Garden Blend, and 50/50 Blend. Each is engineered to support different types of plants and soil conditions.
MYTH #4: Compost is only for large-scale projects.
FACT: Regardless of whether you’re landscaping a small backyard or managing a sizeable community garden, Dakota Prairie Composting offers compost by the bag or cubic yard. Our materials calculator helps you figure out exactly how much you need—no guesswork required.
MYTH #5: Composting doesn’t make a big environmental impact.
FACT: Dakota Prairie Composting diverts over 155,000 tons of organics from landfills annually, reducing carbon emissions by 21,000 metric tons. It’s one of the Midwest’s leading facilities in sustainable waste management.
So there you have it—compost and mulch aren’t just piles of food waste or for aesthetics only.
Dakota Prairie Composting is supporting healthier soil, better gardens, and a cleaner planet. Visit or contact us if you’d like help figuring out how to enhance your veggies or spruce up your yard, or if you’re just curious about how it all works.
Choosing local, high-quality products makes a real difference!
