What to do after you make compost

 So you made compost- now what?

You decided to make a compost pile or you bought some quality compost, but you aren’t quite sure how to use it.  There are numerous beneficial reasons for using compost, the most common is for improving the quality of soil.  Simply mixing compost into the top 4 to 8 inches of the soil will improve the soil health.  Compost contains many nutrients necessary for plant growth. It stimulates beneficial soil microorganisms and attracts earthworms. Unlike chemical fertilizers whose benefits are a flash in the pan, compost’s nutrients are absorbed into the soil and plant roots slowly over time.  Compost doesn’t wash out if there happens to be a heavy rain after application.  Besides adding nutrients, compost improves water retention in sandy soils and binds to clay forming larger particles which allows better drainage. 

Does your lawn need a boost?  Use compost as a top-dressing.  Core your lawn first, then spread finely screened compost all over your yard.  The slow release of nutrients means that compost keeps on working for weeks into months allowing for steady root growth.  The compost in freshly cored yards also prevents soil compaction through aeration.  Mixing compost with grass seed helps to repair areas of the yard needing improvement.    

Compost mulch protects the soil from extreme heat and cold while providing slow-release nutrients into the soil.  Apply thick and chunky compost around trees and bushes, this layer of compost should go twice as far out as you expect the tree or bush canopy to grow.  Do not have the mulch touch the tree or bush.   The compost will slowly absorb into the soil feeding the tree or bush when the frost leaves the ground in the spring.  The mulched area will also keep weed growth down .  

Compost can be added to a potted plant at any time.  Whether you are starting a new plant or transplanting a plant.   By mixing one part compost with the three parts potting soil you will supply many vitamins and nutrient rich minerals to the potted plant.  You may also continually top off plants with compost and then water through it. 

Compost tea is not a beverage but rather a liquid form of compost that can be poured directly onto lawn and garden.  Place active compost in a porous bag and soak in water for several hours until the nutrients have seeped into the water.  Compost tea needs to be used within 24 hours of creation.  It can poured directly onto the soil or sprayed onto the leaves (it creates a great shine) or poured it into the catch basin of a planter. 

Regardless of whether you made your own compost or just bought a bag of quality commercial compost, your lawn, garden and plants will thank you.  Remember these benefits are not just a one-time effect. As the compost slowly releases its nutrients, your plants will continually thrive.

Sarah Everson is the business manager for Compost Joe’s Premium Soils and Organics, a private composting facility located between Fond du Lac and Oshkosh.  Sarah also offers seminars and private classes on composting.