How to apply compost?

Question

is there a right time of year to do it? should i mix it with the rest of the soil or just put it on top? any other tips? thank you

(my compost is ready)

Answer 1

Now is a great time to compost. At my house I work it gently into the soil around the plants to avoid damaging the trunks/roots of the plants. Just before the really hot summer days or cold winter days arrive I try to have at least three inches of compost on top of the soil also to protect from extremes of heat, cold and dryness.

Answer 2

I prefer to put mine on top and then just slightly "till" it in with my mini tiller..If you have no tiller..simply apply it to the top and turn the soil over with a shovel or spade fork...Someone said they  dont believe in turning thier soil here..but actually turning it now and then is suggested..it aerates the soil and allows a good oxygen supply avaialable for the roots of your plants..I will find you some pictures of my results from my garden for you to see my results..

Answer 3

Nothing like well prepared & completely rotted down compost for plants,any time also no hard & fast rules with just the right quantity,i have played it by ear & am proud of both my treated plants & my composting effort in general.

I do not believe that gently breaking up compacted top soil while adding compost does ant degree of harm,on the contrary it serves as a gentle nudge to get the compostIncorporatedd into the soil .i apply ittwicew a year both to potted as well as fruit & flowering plants in the soil.To speed growth & yield ,just before the growing season,another layer on the surface as protection before the harsh Indian summer sets in as mulch .

Answer 4

It's better to put it on top.  It will act like a mulch and will be worked down into the soil by the worms which will hopefully be encouraged by adding organic matter to your soil.  There is debate about this among gardeners, but i believe that it better not to dig your soil as it breaks down it's structure.  Put all your organic matter (mulch, compost, manure) on the surface and let the worms and other soil microbes do the work.

Answer 5

I'm assuming your intentions here are to get ready for winter/fall

if so this site should be pretty helpful:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_soil_water_m...

if not check these subcategories

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_soil_water_m...