Adding compost to your garden is one of the best things you can do for incredible plants and a better harvest. In this article, we’ll explore the best compost for vegetable garden success from homemade compost to store bought options, we’ll break it all down and help you decide what is right for you.
We’ve been homesteading for well over a decade and have used every type of compost you can imagine and we’re here to share our honest opinion and tips for success in your own garden.
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Why You NEED Compost in your Garden
Compost enriches your garden soil by providing essential nutrients, improving soil structure, and aiding moisture retention. It enhances plant growth, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable garden environment.
Compost is a blend of decomposed organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, and food waste, transformed into a soil-like substance. It serves as a natural fertilizer and soil enhancer for plants by providing essential nutrients and improving soil structure. The decomposition process involves bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms breaking down organic matter.
Two main types of compost exist: green compost (fresh, green plant material) and brown compost (dry, brown plant material). A balanced compost should contain both green and brown materials. The ideal compost for a vegetable garden is nutrient-rich, well-balanced, dark, crumbly, and odor-free. It’s crucial to avoid using incompletely decomposed compost.
Types of Compost
- Organic compost is crafted from plant and animal matter, often originating directly from soil decomposition. While it may not offer an abundance of nutrients for plant nourishment, organic compost significantly enhances the overall quality of garden soil.
- Peat-free compost, derived from various plant materials like wood chips, bark, and leaves, presents an eco-friendly alternative to traditional peat-based products.
- Mushroom compost, produced from decomposed mushroom substrate (agricultural by-products or waste from other industries), not only supplies nutrients but also enhances soil structure and fosters robust root growth.
- Soil activators, although not categorized as compost, are frequently used alongside compost to enhance garden soil quality. These products contain beneficial microorganisms that aid in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil.
- Loam-based compost, a blend of decomposed soil, sand, and clay, creates a deep, rich product ideal for growing vegetables. It can be purchased or easily created at home using a composting bin.
Regardless of the compost type chosen, it’s important to understand that compost is not a fertilizer. It serves as a soil amendment to elevate the overall quality of garden soil.
What is the Best Compost for Vegetable Garden Success?
The best compost for vegetable garden success is a nutrient-rich blend of well-decomposed organic materials, combining green (high nitrogen) and brown (high carbon) components. Look for compost that is dark, crumbly, and emits a rich, earthy odor. Avoid strong, unpleasant smells, as they may indicate incomplete decomposition.
The best compost for vegetable garden success can be made on your property, purchased in bags or bought by the truckload.
Where do you Get Compost
There are several ways to get the best compost for your garden.
Make Your Own Compost
Even if you aren’t making enough compost for your garden, a composting system is important.
To make compost at home, start by choosing an easily accessible and well-drained location for your compost pile or bin. Collect a mix of “green” materials, such as fresh grass clippings and vegetable scraps, high in nitrogen, and “brown” materials, like fallen leaves and straw, high in carbon.
Layer these materials in a pile at least 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall to facilitate heat and air circulation. Add water as you build the pile to maintain moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Turn the pile with a garden fork every few weeks to promote mixing and better air circulation. Monitor moisture levels, adjusting as needed. In several months to a year, when the compost is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy odor, it’s ready for use as a nutrient-rich soil amendment in your garden.
Learn more about Making your own Compost.
Best Bagged Compost
When purchasing the best bagged compost, opt for a certified organic product. Choose compost with a near-neutral pH (around 7.0) for optimal results in most vegetable gardens. Check for certifications from reputable organizations and review the organic materials used. Prioritize compost that has been composted for several months to guarantee full decomposition and maturity, resulting in a safe and nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Verify that the compost emits a pleasant, earthy odor and does not have a strong, unpleasant smell, indicating incomplete decomposition. Selecting a high-quality bagged compost contributes to healthier, more vigorous plant growth and a more productive vegetable garden.
You can see a review of our favorite bagged compost or if you want a quick solution here is our top choice for the best bagged compost:
Our Favorite Bagged Compost – Coast of Maine Lobster Compost. This compost gets our vote for the best compost. As a Mainer, I love this compost and use it whenever I need a bag for our garden!
Buying Compost for Delivery
When seeking the best compost for delivery, consider reputable suppliers or garden centers that offer certified organic options. Look for delivery services that provide detailed information about the compost’s composition, ensuring it includes a balanced mix of green and brown materials. Read customer reviews to gauge the quality and effectiveness of the compost. Prioritize suppliers that adhere to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Confirm the delivery timeline and conditions to ensure the compost arrives in optimal condition. Ultimately, choosing a trusted supplier with positive reviews and transparent information ensures you receive the best compost for your gardening needs, conveniently delivered to your doorstep.
Often you local cooperative extension office can help you track down compost.
It’s important to note that some compost inevitably comes with seeds in it.
How to Use Compost in the Garden
Depending on your garden soil, there are several ways that compost can be used in the garden. It’s always helpful to get your soil tested so you know how much compost shouldbe added.
Here are several effective ways to incorporate compost into your gardening routine:
- Soil Amendment: Spread a layer of compost over the soil and work it into the top few inches before planting. This enriches the soil with essential nutrients, improves water retention, and enhances overall soil structure.
- Mulching: Apply compost as a natural mulch around plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. A 2-3 inch layer around the base of plants, avoiding stems, can provide these benefits.
- Compost Tea: Steep compost in water to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer known as compost tea. Use this tea to water plants or as a foliar spray for improved plant health and vigor.
When to Add Compost to Your Garden
Determining the ideal time to apply compost in your garden hinges on various factors, including plant types and garden conditions. Typically, we recommend spreading compost during the spring or fall when the soil remains cool and moist. This ensures optimal absorption of nutrients, fostering healthier and more productive plants. If uncertain about the opportune timing for compost application in your garden, seeking guidance from a local gardening expert is advisable. This is also the easiest time to spread it before your plants start growing.
