How to Use a Compost Pile

Compost adds nutrients and organic matter to your soil. It does not involve burning plants, so it can be added to the soil any time. It is ready to use when it has a moist, crumbling texture with a nice earthy smell.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compost Makers
• Garden Trowels
• Old Pillowcases
• Plastic Bucket
• Plastic Bucket

1. Mix compost into flowerbeds or your garden soil before planting.

2. Dig a mixture of half compost and half soil into the ground before planting trees and shrubs.

3. Top-dress a lawn (see glossary) after the ground has dried in the spring.

4. Side-dress your vegetables or plants (see glossary). Break up a couple of inches of soil around each plant and mix in some compost and water.

5. Make compost tea for your houseplants. Fill an old pillowcase with compost, soak it in a bucket of water until the water is the color of tea, and give your houseplants a drink.

6. Use compost around plants as a mulch to prevent weeds or to help keep moisture in the soil.

Tips & Warnings

• When using compost as a potting soil for your houseplants, you need to sterilize the compost by cooking it in a 200-degree oven for 1 hour. Expect your home to have a strong earthy smell when the compost is baking.

[vikki9]

on 5/10/2009 Where is the glossary?

[starlet67]

on 5/10/2009 Great tips for using a compost pile! 5*

[murch5678]

on 5/10/2009 Thank you for your tips on using compost. We have a compost bin and use the compost in our garden all the time.