How to Apply Compost

Overview

When it comes to organic gardening, the best fertilizer that you can find is compost. Compost is decomposed organic matter that resembles nutrient-rich, black soil. It can be used as a mulch above the soil, turned into the garden as a soil amendment or watered down to make a nutrient-filled compost tea.

Finished Compost

Step 1

Wait 1 month before planting to amend finished compost into the soil.

Step 2

Spread compost onto the surface of your garden with a shovel or garden fork.

Step 3

Turn finished compost into the soil to a depth of 1 to 3 inches with a rototiller.

Step 4

Spread compost evenly over lawns to a depth of 1/4 inch thick.

Unfinished Compost

Step 1

Time your compost application for fall when the unfinished compost is still fibrous.

Step 2

Spread unfinished compost directly onto the ground of your garden with a shovel.

Step 3

Apply unfinished compost around the perimeter of perennial roots rather than directly over the roots of the plant.

Compost Tea

Step 1

Place finished compost in a burlap bag.

Step 2

Place burlap bag in a 5-gallon bucket.

Step 3

Fill the 5-gallon bucket with water from a garden hose.

Step 4

Let tea solution sit for an hour.

Step 5

Remove burlap bag from bucket and dump the finished compost out in your garden.

Step 6

Use compost tea on potted plants, or as a spray for roses.