How should I use food waste based compost?

Food waste based compost is not best used as a ground cover. Think of it more as a sustainably produced peat moss or as a "non-fertilizer" fertilizer alternative. Technically it's a soil amendment that fosters plan and soil health by aiding nutrient and moisture retention.

Regardless we're grateful and commend you for considering compost. We hope you use it often and in large quantities, whether sourced through us or others.

If mixing a potting or bed mix

Mix 1 part food waste based compost to 5 parts soil (i.e. 15%-20% compost) as a good baseline to start from. The ratio can be increased from that rate as desired. However, planting plants in a mix that is greater than 80%-85% compost to soil is not advisable because plants require elements from actual silicate dirt/soil beyond that which are available from compost. This is one reason why typically retailers sell pre blended soil mixes rather than pure compost.

If planting plants from the garden store

For smaller plants, one pint plug or smaller, adding 1/2 cup of food waste based compost in the bottom of the hole the plant is being planted in typically nets best results. Like using peat when planting trees which is another instance where food waste based compost can be substituted.

When planning larger garden plants like trees or shrubs, in the bottom of the hole, add an amount of compost equal to 30%-50% the volume of the root ball being planted. Some recommend avoiding putting composting in the hole, and instead advise working the compost in the the top 2" of soil in order simulate natural leaf litter composting and low leaching of nutrients to plants when watered.

If feeding an existing garden or bed

Topdess food waste based compost directly around but not directly on the base of the plant stems you're wanting to feed in place of and similar to mulching volumes around the dripline. If mulching add mulch between plants as ground cover after installing compost.

If preparing a new garden or bed

Either use .25-.5 pound per square foot similar to land application recommended below before tillage, or by volume for richer soil, add up to 4 gallons (~2.5 pounds) per square foot.

If feeding a yard or agricultural land

The general rule of thumb is to apply a minimum of 5 tons per 1 acer (.25 pounds per square foot) when land applying food waste based compost, and double that in order establish an every other year regiment. Residual benefits can be found the following year after a 5t/acer application or the third year following a 10t/acer application. However, establishing an annual or every other year routine will create the best results.

Share your tips and tricks, experiences, and other resources you recommend in the comments below. Thanks again for considering compost!