How Do I Use Compost In My Garden?

“Hey there! I recently started a backyard farm in my home in Portland. I’ve got a compost heap going, but I’m not quite sure how to make the best use of it in my garden. Can you share some tips on how to use compost effectively to get the most out of my plants and soil? Thanks so much!”

Patricia, Portland, USA

How Do I Use Compost In My Garden?

Hi Patricia! It sounds like you’ve taken an exciting step towards a more sustainable and productive backyard farm. Composting is a fantastic way to enrich your soil and help your garden thrive. Here’s an engaging and detailed look at how to use compost effectively in your garden.

Understanding What Compost Is

Compost is decomposed organic material that transforms into a rich, dark soil-like substance. It’s packed with nutrients that can supercharge your plants and improve soil quality. Think of it as nature’s own recycling system, breaking down kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic matter into something incredibly beneficial.

Why Use Compost?

There are plenty of reasons to use compost, especially in a backyard garden:

• Improves Soil Structure: Compost helps light sandy soils retain water and can break up heavy clay soils for better root growth.
• Adds Nutrients: Your plants get a natural supply of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Encourages Beneficial Organisms: The microbial life in compost can improve soil health and help plants resist pests and diseases.
• Reduces Waste: Composting reduces the amount of kitchen and garden waste sent to landfills.

When to Use Compost

Using compost isn’t restricted to a single time of the year. Here are some scenarios where spreading that black gold can make a huge difference:

1. In Early Spring: Before planting, mix compost into your garden beds to prepare them for the growing season. This can also be a good time to top dress your perennials.
2. At Planting Time: Add compost to planting holes or trenches to give seedlings a nutrient boost from day one.
3. During Growing Season: Side dressing plants with compost or making compost tea can provide an extra burst of nutrients.
4. In Fall: Spreading compost before winter can help improve soil structure over the colder months.

How to Apply Compost

There are several ways you can incorporate compost into your garden. Here are some practical and easy methods:

1. Top Dressing

Top dressing involves spreading a thin layer of compost over the surface of your garden beds. Here’s how it can be done:

• Thickness: Spread compost 1-2 inches thick over your garden bed.
• Watering: After spreading, water the area to help the compost settle and integrate with the existing soil.

2. Mixing Into Soil

If you’re planting or setting up new beds, mixing compost directly into the soil can be highly beneficial:

• Ratio: Blend compost with the top 6-12 inches of soil. A 2:1 ratio (2 parts soil to 1 part compost) works well for most gardens.
• Breaking Down Large Clumps: Ensure the compost is evenly mixed and break down any large clumps to promote uniform growth.

3. Compost Tea

Compost tea is a liquid form of compost that you can use for both foliar feeding and soil drenching. It’s a nutrient solution that provides a quick nutrient boost to plants:

• Brewing: Steep a bag of compost in a bucket of water for 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Application: Use the liquid to water plants or spray on leaves, ensuring the benefits are quickly absorbed.

Using Compost in Different Garden Types

Compost can benefit various kinds of gardens:

Vegetable Gardens

In your vegetable garden, compost can increase yield and improve plant health. Here’s how:

• Initial Bed Preparation: Add plenty of compost when prepping beds. The compost helps young plants flourish.
• Side Dressing: During the growing season, apply compost around the base of growing plants. This helps in boosting the nutritional value available to the plants as they need it.

Flower Gardens

Flower gardens also benefit from the nutrient boost provided by compost:

• Annuals: A pre-season infusion of compost ensures vibrant blooms. Simply work compost into flower beds before planting.
• Perennials: Even established perennials can benefit from an annual top dressing of compost.

Container Gardens

Yes, compost can be integrated into container gardens too:

• Mixing with Potting Soil: Blend compost with potting soil before filling containers. A mix of 1 part compost to 2 parts potting soil often works well.
• Compost Tea: Use diluted compost tea to water container plants for an occasional nutrient boost.

Common Composting Mistakes to Avoid

Even though composting is straightforward, there are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Adding Too Much Compost

It might be tempting to add lots of compost, but more isn’t always better:

• Excess Nutrients: Additional compost can lead to nutrient overload, resulting in imbalances and harming plants.
• Soil Texture: Too much compost can also negatively alter soil texture, affecting drainage and root growth.

Using Unfinished Compost

Compost that hasn’t fully decomposed can be problematic:

• Nutrient Lock-Up: Incomplete compost can lock up nitrogen in the soil as it continues to break down.
• Pest Attraction: Partially decomposed materials can attract pests and create odors.

Ignoring Soil pH

Compost can alter soil pH, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it:

• Testing Soil: Test the soil pH periodically and adjust as needed to keep your plants happy.

Signs of Good Compost

Understanding when compost is ready to use is vital. Good compost should have the following characteristics:

• Colour: Dark brown or almost black, signaling it’s rich in organic matter.
• Texture: Crumbly and not sticky. It should feel similar to rich soil.
• Smell: Earthy and pleasant, not foul or putrid.

Quick Tips for Faster Composting

If you want your compost to break down more quickly, consider these tips:

• Smaller Pieces: Chop or shred materials before adding them to the pile. Smaller pieces break down faster.
• Balanced Mix: Maintain a good balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.
• Aeration: Turn the compost pile regularly to maintain oxygen flow, essential for decomposition.
• Moisture: Keep the compost pile moist but not soggy. Water it if necessary, especially during dry periods.

How to Store Compost

If you have finished compost but aren’t ready to use it, proper storage is key:

• Containers: Store compost in covered bins or piles to protect it from excess rain and drying out.
• Away from Direct Sunlight: Keep it shaded or under cover to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
• Occasional Turning: Turn stored compost occasionally to keep it oxygenated and fresh.

Taking the time to understand and properly use compost will definitely pay off in your garden, Patricia. It’s one of those small efforts that yield substantial long-term benefits, making your backyard farm more productive and sustainable.

Final Thoughts…

Patricia, using compost is a simple yet impactful practice that can significantly benefit your backyard farm. Remember to apply compost at different stages, avoid common mistakes, and keep an eye on your soil. Thanks for reaching out with your question, and happy gardening! Let that compost heap work its magic and watch your garden thrive.