Finished compost is often regarded as “black gold” for gardeners, and for good reason. It’s packed with nutrients, improves soil structure, and promotes healthy plant growth. But what do you do with this nutrient-rich, dark crumbly substance once it’s ready? The possibilities are endless! In this blog, we’ll explore 10 creative ways to use your finished compost to improve your garden, lawn, and even other areas of your home.
1. Topdress Your Lawn
Why It Works:
Topdressing your lawn with a thin layer of compost can improve soil health, encourage root growth, and enhance the appearance of your grass. Compost helps to break down compacted soil and adds nutrients that are essential for healthy turf.
How to Use:
Spread a ¼ to ½ inch layer of finished compost evenly across your lawn using a rake or compost spreader. Water afterward to help it settle in.
2. Amend Garden Beds
Why It Works:
Garden soil often lacks essential nutrients or suffers from poor drainage. Finished compost can work wonders in amending the soil, improving texture, aeration, and moisture retention.
How to Use:
Mix compost into your garden beds before planting, or add it to the surface to give existing plants a nutrient boost. A 2-3 inch layer is typically enough to enrich your garden soil.
3. Create Compost Tea
Why It Works:
Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. It’s a great way to deliver nutrients directly to plant roots and leaves, enhancing plant growth and promoting disease resistance.
How to Use:
Fill a mesh bag or an old pillowcase with finished compost, tie it, and soak it in a bucket of water for 1-3 days. Stir occasionally, then strain and apply the liquid to your plants using a watering can or sprayer.
4. Make Potting Mixes for Containers
Why It Works:
Potting mixes often need extra nutrients for container plants to thrive. Adding compost helps improve soil structure and provides a slow-release source of nutrients.
How to Use:
Mix 1 part finished compost with 1-2 parts potting soil or coco coir for a nutrient-rich potting mix. This will support healthy root systems and promote vigorous plant growth.
5. Mulch Around Plants
Why It Works:
Compost makes an excellent mulch because it breaks down slowly, adding nutrients to the soil over time. It also helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
How to Use:
Spread a 2-inch layer of finished compost around the base of plants, trees, and shrubs. Make sure to leave a gap around the stem or trunk to prevent rot.
6. Improve Raised Garden Beds
Why It Works:
Raised garden beds often require supplemental nutrients since the soil in them tends to deplete more quickly. Adding compost helps restore nutrients, improves drainage, and boosts microbial activity.
How to Use:
Mix finished compost into your raised bed soil, aiming for a ratio of 1 part compost to 3 parts existing soil. This will create a rich, fertile environment for your plants.
7. Boost Fruit and Vegetable Yields
Why It Works:
Fruit and vegetable plants are heavy feeders that benefit from the slow-release nutrients found in compost. It enhances soil structure, which helps plants access water and nutrients more efficiently.
How to Use:
Topdress your fruit and vegetable beds with a 2-inch layer of compost. You can also side-dress plants by applying compost around the base during the growing season for a nutrient boost.
8. Help with Seed Starting
Why It Works:
Seedlings need nutrient-dense soil to thrive, and compost provides just that. It’s rich in micronutrients that promote healthy growth in young plants.
How to Use:
Add a small amount of finished compost to your seed-starting mix, or use it in a seed tray as a top dressing for newly sprouted seeds. Be cautious not to overdo it, as compost can be rich and might burn delicate seedlings if used in excess.
9. Improve Soil in Flower Beds
Why It Works:
Flowering plants need rich, well-draining soil to flourish. Compost helps improve both soil texture and fertility, encouraging more vibrant blooms.
How to Use:
Work finished compost into your flower beds either before planting or as a top dressing for established plants. This will provide essential nutrients and improve overall plant health.
10. Use in Erosion Control
Why It Works:
Compost helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, especially in areas with sloping ground. It also promotes healthy plant growth, which helps hold the soil in place.
How to Use:
Spread a thin layer of compost over areas prone to erosion. You can also use it in combination with grass seed or erosion-control plants to help establish a more permanent solution.
Conclusion
Finished compost is one of the most versatile and valuable resources for any gardener, offering a natural and sustainable way to improve your soil and promote healthy plant growth. Whether you’re topdressing your lawn, creating nutrient-rich potting mixes, or using it for erosion control, the possibilities are endless. By putting your compost to good use in a variety of creative ways, you’ll not only enhance your garden but also make the most out of your composting efforts.