For a healthy garden, it all starts in the soil, and the best way to make sure your soil is plant-worthy, you want to make sure the compost in San Diego CA is the best grade you can afford to buy (or make).
Compost is the result of biodegrading of straw and other plant materials by bacteria and fungi. It takes 8 to 12 weeks to turn the material into compost, and the plant material must be kept at 150 to 160 degrees and turned every five days. During the composting process, it is important for the oxygen levels to be properly maintained so the microbiology can thrive. It is also important to check the compost daily to make sure it feels moist in your hands.
When you hold a handful of dark, rich compost in your hands that smells earthy and like the forest floor, you know you have a good compost in San Diego CA and that is ready to apply. If you are wondering how much compost to apply, use this helpful guide.
If you are using compost for bedding plants, apply ⅛” to ⅜” and spread the material on the top soil and then mix it in with water.
For house plants, use between ⅛” and ¼” compost and lay it atop the soil and water. If you want truly spectacular results, repeat the process every other week.
Good potting soil will want anywhere between ¼” to ⅓” of compost in San Diego CA by volume to create a healthy environment for roots to grow.
Vegetable gardens will want between 1 ½” to 2” of quality compost mixed in with the top 6” of top soil. Work the compost into the top soil after you have applied the top soil.
For flower beds, use 1” to 2” of compost and mix in just like you would for a vegetable garden..
If you are planting seeds and not pre-grown plants, then you want to mix ¼” to 1 ¼” compost and mix it in thoroughly with the top 4” to 6” of top soil, working up the soil first and then adding the compost in San Diego CA.
If you are laying sod, you will want to beef up the amount of compost you use for the root structure of the grass to really thrive. Mix 1 ½” to 2 ½” of the compost into the upper 6” of the top soil and turn in thoroughly.
For turf, if you are working on establishing a healthy turf, use ½” to 2” of compost and mix it with the top 6” of top soil. If you are trying to maintain the turf, the spread about ⅜” compost across the surface of the grass. You can use more in the Fall and less in the Spring.
