Compost vs. Potting Mix
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When to Apply Compost
There’s no wrong time to add compost to your garden. Adding it seasonally is a good idea to keep your soil healthy by boosting its structure, nutrients, and moisture retention.
Compost needs to be incorporated into existing soil or used as a top dressing around. Do not plant directly into 100% compost.
- In veggie gardens, it is best practice to "dig in" (mix well with existing soil) compost into the existing soil to a depth of 10-12 cm before planting.
- For new trees and shrubs, blend compost with the existing soil at planting time. Be especially generous where soils are particularly heavy.
- For all established plants, compost can be applied around the base during the growing season.
- Compost is versatile and can also be used as mulch throughout the garden. Apply it to a depth of 5cm.
How Much Compost to Use
It's almost impossible to overdo compost, but it must be well-mixed into the existing soil rather than used alone for planting as it is too rich for seedlings.
It naturally breaks down and blends into your garden, so regular applications are beneficial throughout the growing season, especially in new gardens.
Compost vs. Potting Mix
Compost is fantastic for garden beds but is not suitable as a potting mix for containers.
Modern potting mixes are designed to be free-draining, whereas compost holds water, and its physical properties means it is better suited for in-ground use.