Gardening 101 Guide

🌱 How to Use Compost

• Soil Amendment: Mix compost into planting beds before putting in flowers, veggies, or shrubs to improve soil structure and fertility.
  
  

• Top Dressing: Sprinkle a ½–1 inch layer over established lawns, perennials, or veggie beds to boost nutrients without disturbing roots.
  
  

• Mulch Alternative: Spread 2–3 inches of compost around trees, shrubs, and perennials to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  
  

• Potting Mix Booster: Blend compost with potting soil for container gardens—just 20–30% compost can give plants a big nutrient lift.
  
  

• Compost Tea: Steep finished compost in water, strain, and use the “tea” as a liquid fertilizer for plants.
  
  

🗓️ When to Use Compost

• Spring: Before planting, mix compost into garden beds to refresh soil after winter.
  
  

• Summer: Use as mulch around plants to help keep moisture in during hot, dry spells.
  
  

• Fall: Add a top layer to beds when cleaning up the garden; it will break down over winter and enrich the soil by spring.
  
  

• Year-Round: For houseplants or container gardens—compost can be added anytime in small amounts.
  
  

🌍 Why Compost is a Game-Changer

• Feeds the Soil, Not Just the Plants: Compost adds organic matter that supports beneficial microbes, earthworms, and overall soil health.
  
  

• Improves Soil Structure: Clay soils drain better, sandy soils hold moisture longer.
  
  

• Reduces the Need for Chemicals: Rich soil means fewer fertilizers and pesticides.
  
  

• Supports Sustainability: Keeps food scraps and yard waste out of landfills while creating a free resource for your garden.
  
  

• Boosts Plant Resilience: Stronger roots, better drought resistance, and fewer disease problems.