Where to Use Compost
For people who are serious about gardening, compost is often referred to as “black gold.” Rich in essential nutrients, compost can be used to dramatically increase the fertility of practically any type of soil, creating a healthy and effective environment for growing plants. For beginners, however, it can be a bit confusing trying to learn the correct way to utilize compost. Compost can be used in the same way that one would use fertilizer, and doesn’t have to be as elusive as many people make it out to be.
Mulching:Rich in nutrients, compost is commonly used as mulching. Like any other type of mulch, compost can be spread in clumps 2-4 inches high around plants and trees. Since compost will break down over time like regular mulch, it is important to replace it at least once or twice per year. When properly maintained, compost can make your lawn extremely healthy, since it adds a great deal of richness to the soil.
Top-Dressing: Compost can be used as a top-dressing on your lawn, which over time can cause a rather dramatic effect. Apply at least one inch of compost to your entire lawn, using a rake to spread it and incorporate it into the grass. After just a few days, the compost will eventually incorporate itself into the soil, making it far healthier than it might be otherwise and causing your grass to be exceptionally green.
Compost Tea: While certainly not fit for drinking, compost tea can do quite a bit for the flowers and plants in your yard. Take a shovel’s worth of compost and place it in a bucket, pouring water over it to coat. Once the compost has steeped for approximately 5 days, the “tea” can be poured over the plants, shrubs and flowers of your choice.
