The end result of all your efforts is a pile of mellow, brown humus on which plants will thrive. So now what? How do we apply it and put it to best use?
Compost can be used throughout the growing season to increase soil quality, hold moisture, aerate root systems and act as a mulch. Mineral reserves in humus greatly aid plants needing nutritional boosts. Ideally the best time to apply compost is a month or so before planting. It should be worked thoroughly into the soil to a depth of about 4 inches. If soil has poor fertility, a fall treatment of spading 12" to 18" deep and mixing in half-rotted compost with the soil will give it a boost for spring planting. Putting humus deep into the soil also aids in drought protection for plants, as it holds moisture where roots can use it in dry weather. Summer applications add nutrients and act as mulch for suppressing weed growth. Generally 1" to 3" of well-finished compost added to your garden annually is a good rule of thumb for keeping the soil active and replenished. It may be applied topically, around plants and/or worked thoroughly into the soil, depending on your need. There is no "burn" effect on plants from overuse as with chemical fertilizers, but again the rule of thumb is to apply compost once or twice a year.
The finished product is not only a crop of rich, naturally-processed material for giving an organic boost to your domain, but also it's the awareness of being part of something better, a greater wholeness and sense of respect for the planet and all who dwell thereon. Composting for life
is what it's all about.