Skagit Soils Co-Owner Craig and Office Manager Victoria
Gardening with Compost
How do I apply compost to my garden?
For new garden beds, add a 3-4 inch layer of compost on top of your soil. Using a shovel, rototiller, or garden tool of your choice, mix and incorporate the compost into the top 8-12 inches of soil.
Established garden beds only need 1/4-inch to 1-inch of compost on the soil’s surface. Add other amendments if necessary. Mix and incorporate the material into the top 8-12 inches of the soil.
It’s ideal to wait 1 to 2 weeks before planting or seeding your newly prepared garden space.
How much compost do I need?
On the right of your screen on our main page, there is a small blue icon labeled “Yard Calculator”. Enter your dimensions into that calculator to estimate how much product you need.
Can I put compost on my lawn?
Yes! Work in a ¼ inch layer of compost over an existing lawn. You can use an aeration device to incorporate the compost into the soil after application.
For new lawns: Add 1-2 inches of compost to the topsoil prior to seeding. Rake the compost into the soil. Once your lawn is sown, you can add a ¼ inch to 1 inch of compost over the top as a final step. Use the same method for laying sod.
Remember:
Soil is a planting medium. Compost is a soil amendment. Do not place plants directly into 100% compost.
Skagit Soils is working with Kulshan Carbon Trust (KCT) to provide farmers with biochar-enhanced compost to measure how biochar affects local soil health and crop yields. It will be available for sale in about 6 weeks.
Check out this awesome BIOCHAR VIDEO by Victoria Swett!
Did You Know?
Biochar
Biochar is a carbon-rich product made from organic material, like plant waste, that is heated to high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment. When infused into compost, it benefits soil health and plant growth, while also addressing environmental concerns.
Enhanced Soil Health
Biochar-infused compost improves soil structure, increasing its ability to retain water and nutrients.
Carbon Sequestration
By incorporating biochar into compost, we essentially lock away carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as CO2, a greenhouse gas.
Enhanced Compost Decomposition
Biochar can accelerate the decomposition process of compost, meaning nutrients become available to plants more quickly.
Incorporating biochar-infused compost into your garden is not just an act of gardening but an investment in the health of our planet. It’s a simple step we can all take to make a difference, ensuring our green spaces thrive while also nurturing the environment.
