Frequently Asked Compost Questions
What is your compost made from?
Our premium compost is made up of approximately one-quarter cow manure, one-quarter horse manure, and one half leaves. It is composted and well rotted for over a year.
Can I plant directly into 100% compost?
Yes. Our compost has been left to mature long enough so it will not cause any harm to plants. Soluble salts, which can be another problem, are also low enough not to harm plants.
Do you sell straight manure?
No. Straight manure can burn plants and we don't want that for our customers. We also don’t have any available because we use it all for composting.
How can I tell just how much is a yard of compost?
A yard of compost is a cube 3 feet high by 3 feet long by 3 feet wide. To get an idea of how much it is in real terms, an eight-foot pick-up truck level full is approximately 2 yards.
How much compost should I use?
When preparing your garden, a two to three inch layer of compost should be applied and tilled into the top six inches.
How often should I apply compost?
In order to keep your soil fertile and high in organic matter, an application every two or three years is important.
How far will a yard of compost go?
One yard of compost two inches thick will cover 150 square feet. Three inches thick, a yard of compost will cover 100 square feet.
Can I apply compost to an existing garden?
Yes. Apply a generous amount of compost around your plants and work it into the soil. Top-dressing lawns with compost is also very helpful to increase sod health.
Should compost be used in raised beds?
Yes, but with loam. A 50/50 mix of loam and compost works well for raised beds. This mix will be cheaper than straight compost and still work quite well.
Should I mix peat with compost when I apply it?
No. Peat is an organic material that will break down in the soil, using valuable nutrients from the soil to do it. Compost will break down but will add nutrients to the soil and not compete for nutrients with your plants.
Is it a good idea to add compost when planting trees or shrubs?
Yes. Compost will add moisture holding capacity to the soil as well as let air get to the roots. Not to mention the availability of nutrients. When planting, dig a hole twice as large and deep as the root ball. Fill the hole back to the proper depth with compost and the rest with a mix or what was dug out of the hole (if it is good) and compost. Using this method will allow the roots to stretch out and grow quickly.
How much compost should I use for best results?
Applying a layer 2 to 4 inches thick and incorporated into the top 6 inches of your garden works best. An application every two to three years should be practiced.