When And How To Add Compost To The Garden Bed
Compost is a very useful organic fertilizer that can help plants grow and thrive in garden beds. The best time and method to add compost depends on your garden and the type of compost. In this article, we will discuss when and how to add compost to the garden bed.
When to add compost
In most cases, the best composting time is in spring and autumn. Adding compost in spring can help provide sufficient nutrients and water for new plants, while adding compost in autumn can prepare for the growth season of the next year. Please note that if your compost contains a large amount of non-decomposed materials, such as wood chips or branches, it is better to add compost in autumn. This is because these non-decomposed materials need longer time to decompose, and the low temperature and wet conditions in autumn can accelerate the decomposition process.
If you are using a compost bucket or compost pile, you can add compost at any time. As long as the material in the compost has been decomposed, you can add it to the garden bed. However, if there is still undecomposed material in your compost, it is better to wait for the material to decompose and become dark and fluffy, and then add it to the garden bed.
How to add compost
The method of adding compost depends on your compost type and your garden bed. The following are several ways to add compost:
- Surface covering method
The surface covering method is a simple and effective method, which is applicable to the situation that there are plants on your garden bed. Just cover the compost evenly on the surface of the garden bed, and then gently cultivate it to mix with the surface soil. Surface covering can help keep the soil moist and provide nutrients for plants.
- Mixing method
If there are no plants in your garden bed, the mixing method may be a better choice. Simply distribute the compost evenly on the garden bed and mix it into the soil with a shovel or rake. Mixing method can help improve soil structure and provide sufficient nutrients for new plants.
- Acupoint addition method
The acupoint addition method is applicable to the garden bed where you already have plants.
Just dig a small hole around the plant, pour the compost into the hole, then fill the hole and pat it gently. This can help plants absorb more nutrients and improve their growth speed and health.
- Deep tillage method
The deep tillage method is applicable when you want to plant deep-rooted plants in the garden bed. Just plough the compost deep into the soil before planting to help the deep-rooted plants absorb more nutrients. Deep tillage can also improve soil structure and improve soil water retention and aeration.
Adding compost is a simple and effective way to help plants grow and thrive in garden beds. The best time to add compost is in spring and autumn, but if your compost has been decomposed, you can add compost at any time. The method of adding compost depends on your compost type and the condition of the garden bed. You can choose surface covering method, mixing method, acupoint adding method or deep tillage method to add compost. No matter which method you choose, remember to evenly distribute the compost and mix it with the soil to help the plant absorb more nutrients.