Using Compost as a Soil Amendment:
Compost can be used to enrich garden soils before planting. Amend soils by mixing compost
thoroughly into the top 6-12 inches of existing soil.

In Flower, Groundcover and Vegetable Beds:

• In established gardens, mix 1-3 inches of compost into the top 6-12 inches of soil
  each year before planting. You may wish to add that amount of compost twice a
  year.
• For poor soils or first year gardens, apply 3-4 inches of compost and mix into the top
  6-12 inches of soil. This is best done in the fall, before a spring planting. An
  additional 1-3 inches of compost could be worked into the soil right before planting.
• After planting apply a ½-1 surface mulch. Keep away from plant stems. The mulch
  will add nutrients, protect the soil, save water and help to control weeds.

Lawns:

• Before planting a new lawn, till base soil to a 6 inch depth.
• Mix 2 inches of finely textured compost into the loosened base soil before planting
  seed or laying sod.

For Planting Trees and Shrubs:
For shrubs and trees, work about 3-inches of compost into the top 6-9 inches of soil in the 3-6
foot area surrounding the planting hole.

Be cautious about amending soil in holes for trees and shrubs. While some experts
recommend mixing 30% compost into the soil, others say that if too much compost is added to
the back-filled soil, the roots will not grow past this gold mine of organic matter, depriving the
tree or shrub of the stability of a deep root system. If you do amend the soil that will fill the
hole, use top quality fully mature compost.

Using Compost as Mulch or Top Dressing:
Gardeners and landscapers use compost as mulch to suppress weeds, to keep plant roots cool
and moist, to conserve water, to maintain a loose and porous soil surface and to prevent soil
from eroding or compacting. Compost serves all of these purposes and also gives plantings an
attractive, natural appearance. Compost can be used to mulch around flower and vegetable
plants, shrubs and trees. Screened compost can also be used in thin layers as top dressing for
turf or ground covers.

Prepare areas for mulching by clearing away any grass or weeds that might grow up through
mulch. Remove the roots and shoots of weedy plants that spread vegetatively, such as
Bermuda grass and ivy.

Different types of plants benefit from varying applications rates and types of mulch.
Generally, finely screened compost should be used in layers less than 2 inches thick to allow
air and water to penetrate to the soil and roots. Coarse compost may be applied in layers up to
4 inches thick. The general rule of thumb is that the finer the compost, the thinner the mulch
layer. Compost can also be used as a top dressing, in which case a thin layer of fine compost
is placed on the surface of the soil or lawn to serve as a source of nutrients.

Mulching on Flower and Vegetable Beds:

• Apply 1/2 to 1 inch of compost over the entire bed, or place rings around each plant
  that extend as far as its outermost leaves.
• Always keep mulches a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent
  damage by insects or disease.

Top Dressing on Lawns:

• Use screened commercial compost, or sift homemade compost through a 1/2 inch or
  finer mesh. Mix with an equal amount of sand or sandy soil. Add bone meal for
  additional nutrients.
• Spread compost/sand mix in 1/4 to 1/2 inch layers after thatching or coring and
  before reseeding.

Mulching Around Trees and Shrubs:

• Spread to a depth of 3-4 inches for best weed control.
• Keep mulches a few inches away from the base of the tree or shrub to prevent
  damage by insects or disease.

Top Dressing on Houseplants:
Scratch 1 inch of compost into the surface of the potting mix, once or twice a year.

Using Compost in Potting Mixes:
Sifted compost can be used to make a rich, loose potting soil for patio planters, houseplants or
starting seedlings in flats. Compost can be used to enrich purchased potting mixes or make
your own.

Plants growing in containers are entirely reliant on the water and nutrients that you provide
and those that are provided in the potting mix. Compost is excellent for container mixes
because it stores moisture effectively and provides a variety of nutrients not typically supplied
in commercial fertilizers or soil free potting mixes. Vermicompost is particularly valuable in a
potting mix because of its fine texture and because it has more microbial activity than yard
waste composts.

For Starting Seedlings:

• Sift compost through a 1/2 inch or smaller mesh.
• Mix 1 part sifted compost, 1 part fine sand, and 2 parts garden soil.
• Let age if you are concerned about the maturity of the compost.
• Use compost tea when true leaves emerge.

For Larger Container & House Plants:
Mix equal parts loamy soil, sand and compost. Add blood meal, cottonseed meal,
rock phosphate and kelp meal for additional nutrients.