Well-finished
compost can be used at any time, in any season and in
any amount. There is no such thing as too much compost!
Begin to enjoy the many benefits of compost by digging
it into the top 4” of vegetable and flower beds
in the spring. This will establish a good humus level
and mineral balance in your soil, and provide the nutrients
that your plants need. In mid-season, mix compost with
soil as a side dressing along vegetable rows or around
flower plants.
In established plantings of perennials, where you want
to condition the soil and increase fertility without uprooting
the plants, work compost liberally into the top 4 inches
of soil. Even deep-rooted perennials will perk up! The
compost, which contains natural antibiotics, will also
help ward off plant diseases.
Compost
also makes a fine mulch when you have a lot of it. In
the spring, spread a 3-4” layer around trees, shrubs,
perennials, fruit trees and berries. The mulch will prevent
soil moisture from evaporating, suppress weeds and supply
nutrients as it slowly works into the soil.
You can top-dress an established lawn with up to 1/2 inch
of compost, or use it as a potting soil for houseplants,
or as a rich supplement to your seed-starting medium.
Some nutrients in compost are water soluble, so you can
make “compost tea” for seedlings, houseplants
and other delicate plants.
Compost
also makes a fine mulch when you have a lot of it. In
the spring, spread a 3-4” layer around trees, shrubs,
perennials, fruit trees and berries. The mulch will prevent
soil moisture from evaporating, suppress weeds and supply
nutrients as it slowly works into the soil.
