I use compost as mulch whenever I have enough. It's rare to have "enough" but sometimes it works out that way. Keep it away from the stems of plants and make sure it's "finished" and smells earthy instead of sour or vinegary and it should be fine.

Sandy

As sandy said, it can be used as a mulch/top dressing. I do this when I have the time/compost on most all of my plants.

I just put a scoop of well composted manure on top of all my squash mounds.

does it matter that this isn't manure compost but stuff from kitchen and browns from yard?

it is soil like, not slimey but i have not smelled it yet...i'll make my husband.

do you think i can do this in lieu of fertilizing with miracle gro or something similiar?

how often should i do this? every 2 weeks?

does it matter that this isn't manure compost but stuff from kitchen and browns from yard?

No. Better in fact as manured compost requires longer processing before use around food.

do you think i can do this in lieu of fertilizing with miracle gro or something similiar?

Compost worked into the soil provides nutrients immediately. Compost used as mulch doesn't. It takes time for the soil food web to work it down into the root zone. Whether or not you will also need supplemental nutrients all depends on your soil nutrient levels.

how often should i do this? every 2 weeks?

There is no set time plan. That will all depend on your weather and soil activity and how thickly you apply it.

If you haven't already done so you may want to check out the many discussions on this issue over on the Soil & Composting forum here.

Dave