How to Use Compost

Establishing a New Garden

Compost should be spread evenly over the entire area at an average depth of 1-2 inches. Next, use a rotary tiller or shovel to incorporate the compost to a depth of 6-8 inches. Higher application rates of compost may be used if the compost is incorporated to a greater depth.

Maintaining an Existing Garden

To avoid damaging already established roots, add compost in a thin layer on top of your soil- like a mulch. This will help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and will add some nutrients into the soil.

Using Compost For Lawn Care

Top dressing your lawn can be done on an annual basis, generally the best time to do this is in the spring, just before the growing season. You will want to rent a core aerator to harmlessly remove small plugs of grass over your entire lawn. Next, spread the compost over your lawn in a thin layer (1/4”- 1/2”) and rake into the aeration holes.

Using Compost as Backfill For Planting Trees & Shrubs

When planting a new plant, you will want to dig a hole slightly shallower than and at least 2 times as wide as the container the plant came in. You should uniformly blend your compost with the existing soil you dug out. Your compost to soil ratio should be:

• 1 part compost, 2 parts soil or
• 1 part compost, 1 part soil (50/50 mix)