Market Location
Menu
Healthy, nutrient-rich soil creates the perfect environment for vibrant gardens and thriving plants.
Wondering how to use compost to improve your garden? Over time, soil can lose essential nutrients, making it harder for plants to grow strong and vibrant. Luckily, compost can restore soil health and help your garden flourish.
In this guide, you’ll learn how compost works to improve soil structure, boost nutrient levels, and create an ideal environment for plant growth. Whether you’re preparing a vegetable garden or flowerbeds, nature’s fertilizer is your best tool for building healthy soil.
Before adding to your soil, remove weeds and loosen with a garden fork or tiller. This step ensures compost integrates well into the soil layers.
For poor-quality soil or compacted areas, spread 2–3 inches as an amendment. Mix it into the top 6–8 inches of soil. This method improves soil structure and nutrient content.
Adding an organic mulch layer on top will help enrich and maintain fertility and regulates soil temperature, protecting plant roots from extreme weather conditions.
Apply in the fall to let nutrients absorb and prepare your garden for spring planting. Be sure to dispose of diseased leaves—do not add to your composter!
Don’t let fallen leaves go to waste! Leaves are an excellent compost ingredient that can be tilled directly into garden beds:
Collect leaves in the fall and let them decompose through winter for nutrient-rich soil by spring.
Compost isn’t the only organic material that improves soil. Mulch provides additional protection and fertility over time.
Organic matter typically takes 2–6 months to break down fully, depending on materials and weather conditions.
It’s better to compost food scraps first to prevent pests and allow decomposition before mixing them into garden soil.
Yes, compost is safe for most plants and improves soil health naturally. Avoid using fresh manure, as it can be too strong for sensitive plants.
For additional tips, check out the EPA’s guide to composting at home.
To test your soil, utilize resources such as Texas A&M Agrilife Extension or the UT Institute of Agriculture.
Using compost is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a thriving, sustainable garden. Whether you’re improving poor soil, mulching flower beds, or preparing vegetable patches, compost provides the nutrients and structure your plants need to grow healthy and strong.
For high-quality compost, mulch and soil products, visit our Living Earth Compost Products page or Contact Us for expert advice.