Apply 1 to 2 1/2 inches of compost to surface and till well into the top 6 inches of soil. Then apply seed and rake into surface. To get a 5 percent mix of compost to soil, you use your measuring container and mix 19 containers of soil to one container of compost.
There are various ways to use your finished compost. You can sprinkle compost on top or mix it into your flower and vegetable beds, gently rake compost into tree beds, blend it with potting soil to revitalize indoor plants, or spread it on top of the soil on your lawn as a soil amendment.
Can I Just Put Compost On Top Of Soil? Compost can be added directly on top of the soil when introduced as a mulch layer for the plants. For a more immediate benefit, work the compost into the soil.
Plants, especially edible plants, need more than just compost to thrive. This is why compost is added to top soil to create a balanced environment that provides plants the structure and nutrients to thrive.
Dig in plenty of compost and well-rotted manure a couple of weeks before planting out vegie patches or garden beds. Let it all break down for a fortnight or so, then start planting.
Decomposition will be complete anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned. Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown color, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles.
You may be surprised to learn that your compost pile needs just as much water as your live plants. Dry compost doesn't work. There are several ways to ensure your compost is getting the adequate amount of water needed to do its job.
Technically, topsoil is the top layer of soil in any garden or yard or field, usually referring to a depth of between 2 to 8 inches down. Topsoil is the most productive and vital section of garden soil.
Start with a layer of coarse materials in the bottom of the bin to facilitate drainage. Add a layer of 3 to 4 inches of green materials (This is the first ⅓ nitrogen), For example, fresh leaf trimmings, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps. Sprinkle 1 or 2 inches of soil on top (or finished compost).
1. Can Topsoil and Potting Soil be Mixed? Yes, you can mix the two if you'd like to use topsoil for your container plants or raised beds.
Yes, planting in compost alone is possible under certain conditions. This method works better with low-spreading plants that prefer slightly acidic conditions. They should also have good heat tolerance and prefer well-draining soil. Anything that grows close to the ground, like squash, will thrive in pure compost.
After the pile reaches around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit, you want to stop adding greens and limit the amount of browns so that the compost can cure. Keep turning the piles regularly to add oxygen.
One rule of thumb: the more green material (cut grass, weeds, leaves) you put in, the less water you'll need to add. In fact, if you need to add dry ingredients such as straw or hay, soak the material first in water so it won't dry out your compost pile. In general your compost should be moist, but not sopping wet.
Compost shouldn't be kept wet; it should be kept damp. The recommended moisture content of about 50% reflects the idea that compost should not be too wet or too dry.
Active microorganisms need a moist environment. Ideally, composting materials should be between 40 and 60 percent water. When conditions are too wet, water will fill the pore space needed for air movement, and anaerobic conditions can result. If conditions are too dry, the decomposition rate will slow down.
For new garden beds: Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost to the soil surface. Add other amendments such as lime and N-P-K fertilizer as needed. Incorporate the materials into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil with a digging fork or spade. Or, use a rototiller.
The pile should not be directly exposed to sun, wind, rain, nor sited in a low-lying place subject to unnecessary dampness and standing water. Strong sun not only dries, but also is hostile to micro-organisms.
A cover can limit airflow and water, interfering with the composting process. You should definitely cover finished compost. Otherwise, if it's exposed to the elements, the compost will break down further and lose nutrients as they leach into the surrounding soil.
How much compost or mulch do you need? For mulching, spread 1-3 inches of compost on beds in fall or spring. As a soil amendment before planting new beds, use 1-3 inches of compost dug or tilled into the soil. (Use 3 inches to improve sandy soils, or 1-2 inches for heavy clay soils).
Garden soil is just topsoil that has extra organic matter mixed in, like compost, peat, bark shredding, or fertilizer. It's intended to be used in the garden, where your plants benefit from the added fertility and nutrients. Some garden soils are even specifically tailored for vegetables or flowers.
Topsoil is typically thought of as the top 6 inches of soil. We recommend adding at least 2 to 3+ inches of topsoil and rototilling it 2 to 3+ inches into the existing dirt to get the recommended 6 inches depth.
As a rule of thumb, actively decomposing materials should be turned every three to four days. Materials with slowed microbial activity can be turned less often. In tumblers, turning two times a week resulted in higher temperature and faster decomposition than turning once a week or once every other week (Figure 1).
If your compost is too wet, it will have a soggy feel. In the worst case, it will also give off an unpleasant sweet sticky smell like ammonia. The consequences of having too much moisture in your compost are that the composting process will be interrupted, slow down, or completely stop!