Return to the Soil Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
when to add compost into soil
| | |
Posted by
briergardener 7 (
My Page) on
Sun, Oct 28, 12 at 10:14
| When is better time to add compost: fall or spring? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| I vote for whenever you have time and availability. If those are not factors, I think spring time when everything is most actively growing and could use the maximum amount of nutrients. This will also maximize the moisture retention of your soil as we head into the hot summer. I am also assuming a similar process in your climate to mine, with fall leaves allowing for the creation of a fresh composting pile in fall that would them be ready for use in the spring. Does that make sense? I think that, in general, the sooner plants have access to beneficial organic material, the better they will grow. But I would want to have my plants at their strongest as we head into the summer and hopefully the most active growing season. Martha |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
- Posted by pt03 2b Southern Manitob (My Page) on
Sun, Oct 28, 12 at 11:09
| Climate and weather would be a big factor for us. We have to wait for the ground to thaw and then dry out before we can begin to work it in the spring. Putting the compost down in the fall (if weather conditions allow) saves the time waiting for the dry up and can conserve moisture by reducing spring tillage. Lloyd |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| I was in a hurry to shred leaves and get them down with the coffee chaff that had been sitting in bags all summer (turning into something like manure). Covered with burlap before the storm. I didn't even think about ratios (how much N is left in the coffee chaff if the worms have been working it?). Would it be worthwhile to pull up the burlap next weekend and put down old hay with finished compost and cover with burlap again? I also have some composted (finished) horse manure and some I got fresh in the spring that's been working all summer (guess I didn't have right ratio b/c it's not quite done, plus I want to do a trial to make sure there's no herbicides in it) so I will have more to add after the spring thaw, I don't worry about using up what's in the bin right now. I've always just put compost in before planting, mulched and let the mulch break down over the winter but never thought of putting compost down in the fall. |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| I agree with docmom that plants need the nutrients that compost provides most in the spring. But fall is also a great time for adding compost, finished or unfinished. An important advantage for fall, especially if you live in a Mediterranean climate like we have in CA, is that moisture is critical for breaking down mulch and compostables and the late fall through late spring season is when moisture is abundant (usually). Irrigation is great but it just doesn't saturate the soil like rain. I'd guess that soil microbial activity is greatest during the wet season in a Mediterranean climate, despite lower soil temps. |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| The best time to add compost to a soil is when you have the compost and the time. Adding compost to your soil now wil give the Soil Food Web time to work on it and prepare the nutrients in that compost for use by the plants you put in next spring. Putting the compost on the garden next spring can mean that the nutrients may not be available to the plants until mid summer. |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| ajsmama - Don't worry about it. The ratios are only if you want really FAST compost. If that stuff sits all winter, it will be usable by spring. |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| I think the best way to use compost in decent soil is as a top dressing in the spring. This is natures way and always gives you the most bang for the buck based on my understanding of soil science. The organic matter breaks down quickly once it is incorporated and does all the good things possible when set on top. In problem soil such as excessive clay or even very sandy soil my advice would be different. |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| I add compost twice a year as in my zone 3 I only make 2 batches per year. So the pile I start in the late summer/early fall will be ready enough by June. Since I only use it as mulch that's a good time as the soil will not be warm enough to mulch earlier. The pile I start in April will be done enough by September to use as mulch. "Done enough" for me is when there are few identifiable pieces which will go in the next batch. |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| "In problem soil such as excessive clay or even very sandy soil my advice would be different." Harvestman, I've gardened in OH clay and AL sand and the same thing words no matter what kind of soil it is. Keep putting it on top, like mother nature does, and the worms, rain, and microorganisms will digest and disperse the material naturally. Add compost onto soil, not into. |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| purpleinopp, I agree 100% |
RE: when to add compost into soil
| | |
| Magnanimous gesture, I appreciate it. I see you've also honed your ability to read typo'ese fluently. typo:
"the same thing words no matter what"
should be works Thanks, friend. |
Post a Follow-Up
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in.
If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Soil Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
