Top Tips On How To Use Organic Compost

Compost is a vital component of any successful garden. It can help to improve the quality of your soil, leading to higher yields in vegetable gardens. It adds valuable nutrients to the soil, and it can help to retain moisture and reduce your need for watering. However, if you are new to the gardening world, you may not know exactly how to use organic compost.

When you are using organic compost in your garden, you might not be aware that there are different ways that you can make use of this nutrient-dense, natural product. You can enjoy the benefits in more than just your plant bed, and can also have a stunning flower garden by adding it to your topsoil. Not sure where to start? Below we take a look at some top tips on how to use compost.

Growing Vegetables

One of the most popular uses for compost is growing vegetables. You can spread an even layer of organic compost on your topsoil. Or mix these together when you are building your vegetable patch. You can also put a handful of compost into each hole when you are planting your vegetables. This ensures the roots are strong and grow evenly.

You can provide vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and butternut with an even amount of compost each month to ensure that the results are rich and nutrient-dense. Compost is an ideal addition to any vegetable garden. Be sure to include it in your shopping list along with the different seeds you wish to plant.

Improving Potting Soil

When you are planting pot plants, it is important to add extra nutrients to the soil. How to use organic compost? This can easily be done by adding mushroom compost because it increases the humus of the soil. This will ensure that the structure and nutrient content of the potting soil is improved.

Whether you want to grow stunning flowers on your small balcony or want to have a potted herb garden. Adding compost to the potting soil is the ideal solution. If you have established pot plants, you can further nourish them by adding compost around the base of the plant. If there is no room, you can shovel out some of the potting soil and add compost in.

Coming Up Roses

Growing roses can be difficult, especially if you are a novice. However, adding organic compost to your soil mix will ensure that your roses grow strong and proud. In order to save you time and effort, Stanler Farms has created a powerful rose and shrub mixture, which combines sand, clay, and our own organic compost to ensure perfect drainage for your rose bushes and their roots. It also improves the structure of sandy soil.

By adding in this compost, your soil will be kept at the right temperature and weeds and other pests will be deterred. Microorganisms in the compost will be released into the soil, making it fertile all year round. Be sure to first check that the compost you want to use will not damage the roses you are growing, as some might have a different pH level than others.

Make Magical Mulch

For those who enjoy adding mulch to their gardens to improve their plants and soil, you can enhance this by including compost to your mulch. You can also choose to use compost as a mulch by simply spreading it around plants, trees, or shrubs. Be sure there is a good two to three centimetres on the surface and it should decompose in a similar manner to mulch.

You can add compost on top of already decomposed mulch to increase the nutrients that are being released into the soil, but be sure to rake the mulch beforehand to ensure that the soil beneath has been aerated and has added oxygen.

There are many different uses for compost, all of which can help to immensely improve the quality of your garden soil. It is best to opt for an organic one to be sure that there are no added chemicals being released into your soil. Contact Stanler Farms today for more information on our organic compost.

Composting Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to creating effective compost, it’s essential to understand the materials you should include and those you should avoid. Composting is a fantastic way to recycle organic waste and enrich your soil, but using the wrong materials can hinder the process or even harm your plants.

Do’s:

Include a mix of greens and browns – Organic materials high in nitrogen, such as vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings, pair well with carbon-rich items like dried leaves, cardboard, and small twigs.
Break down large items – Chop or shred larger pieces to speed up decomposition and maintain a balanced compost pile.
Keep the pile moist but not soggy – Ensure your compost has the consistency of a wrung-out sponge to encourage microbial activity without causing anaerobic conditions.
Turn your pile regularly – Aerate by turning the pile frequently to distribute moisture, heat, and oxygen, which are vital for proper decomposition.

Don’ts:

Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods – These can attract pests and create unpleasant odours in your compost pile.
Do not add treated wood or glossy paper – These contain chemicals that may leach into your compost and harm your soil or plants.
Forget about diseased plants or invasive weeds – Adding these can introduce pathogens or unwanted seeds into your garden.
Leave the pile unbalanced – Too much green or brown material can slow down the composting process, so maintain a proper ratio for efficiency.

Seasonal Composting Tips – How to Adjust Compost Use Based on the Seasons

Composting can be a year-round activity, but the way you use your compost may vary depending on the season. Understanding these seasonal adjustments can help you maximize the benefits of your compost and keep your garden thriving throughout the year.

Spring – This is the optimal time to mix compost into your garden beds as you prepare for planting. The nutrients in the compost will enrich the soil, giving your plants the best start for the growing season. Add a thin layer of compost around established perennials as well to offer them a nutrient boost.
Summer – During the hotter months, water retention is critical. Use compost as a mulch by spreading it around your plants to help retain moisture in the soil and regulate temperature. Check your compost pile regularly, as it may dry out faster in the heat—keep it moist but not soggy.
Autumn – Autumn leaves are an excellent source of brown material for your compost. Mix them with green materials like grass clippings to maintain a balanced pile. You can also begin building up your compost supply for the following year as garden clean-up provides plenty of materials to add during this season.
Winter – Composting slows down in colder temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop. Insulate your pile with a tarp or straw to retain some heat, and continue adding scraps in smaller amounts. If the pile is frozen, store scraps in a compost bin or container until it thaws.

Compost Tea – How to Create and Use Compost Tea for Plants

Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid made by steeping compost in water. It’s an excellent way to provide your plants with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms in a form that’s easily absorbed. To create compost tea, start by filling a breathable bag, such as an old pillowcase or mesh bag, with quality, mature compost. Submerge the bag in a large bucket or container of water, maintaining a ratio of approximately one part compost to five parts water. Allow the mixture to steep for 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally to aerate the solution.

Once brewed, strain the liquid and use it immediately to water your plants or spray it directly onto their leaves. Compost tea can enhance soil health, improve plant growth, and act as a natural disease suppressant. However, it’s important to use it within a day or two to ensure the beneficial microorganisms remain active and effective. Always avoid using compost that contains pathogens or harmful materials, as this could potentially harm your plants. With proper care, compost tea can be a powerful tool for fostering a healthy and thriving garden.

Soil Testing & Compost Ratios – How to Determine the Right Amount of Compost for Different Plants

Before applying compost to your garden, it’s crucial to understand the specific needs of your plants and the condition of your soil. Conducting a soil test is an essential first step, as it provides detailed information about nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content. Soil testing kits are widely available and easy to use, or you can consult a local agricultural extension service for professional analysis.

Once you have the results, you can tailor your compost application to suit the requirements of your plants. For nitrogen-heavy crops such as leafy greens, a 1–2 inch layer of compost worked into the topsoil is typically sufficient. Flowering plants and fruiting vegetables thrive with a balanced ratio of compost, such as 3 parts compost to 7 parts soil. For perennials or shrubs, apply compost as a mulch around the base to feed them gradually as it breaks down.

It’s important not to overdo it—too much compost can lead to nutrient imbalances, water retention issues, or even root damage. Always follow the recommendations based on your soil test and avoid applying fresh compost directly to plants, as it can be too strong and may contain pathogens. By taking the time to test your soil and measure compost carefully, you can create a healthier growing environment tailored to the unique needs of each plant species.