When in Doubt Compost

June 29, 2010

Soil is the backbone of your garden and lawn. Nothing else really matters. If your soil is enriched with decomposed organic matter, your plants will be naturally fed by nutrients released by soil microbes working underground. One of the best ways to add organic matter to your soil is with compost.

Compost improves your soil texture and structure, supplies and helps retain nutrients, provides moisture and aeration, helps control weeds, and reduces the need to buy fertilizers. Compost will improve any type of soil.

-If you add organic matter to sandy soils, you won’t have to water as frequently.

-If you add organic matter to silty soil, the soil will be less slippery and allow more air to the roots.

-If you add organic matter to clay soils, your soil will become easier to work and will allow root systems to develop and water to soak in more readily.

In the Garden

Instead of digging in fresh compost, just add a layer to the top of your soil  and walk away. Do this at least twice a year-in the fall and in early spring-and add a fresh layer of mulch on top.

In the Lawn

Just spread compost on top of the lawn by dumping small piles and spreading the compost with a rake to a depth of a 1/2 inch. You can also use a spreader and simply spread the compost on top of the lawn.

If you can commit to top dressing your soil with compost  twice a year your lawn and garden will thrive.