FAQs

Compost feeds the soil which in turn feeds the plants

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

New Lawns;  Apply 1-2″ compost, incorporate to 5-7″. Apply seed, rake and water

Flower Beds;  Apply 1-2″ compost, incorporate 6-8″.  Condition soil this way every year for 2 years.

Trees and Shrubs;  Dig hole 2-3 times the depth of root ball and at least twice as wide.  Mix 1 part compost with 2 parts soil from planting hole. Place tree or shrub in planting hole and apply amended soil around ball. Firm soil and water.

Growing mixes for planters, window boxes and containers. 1 part compost, 1 part soil and one part sand and perlite combined.

Mulching;  2-3″ of compost around trees, shrubs and flowers. Avoid placing mulch against the trunk of the trees.

Garden Bed ( veggies);  Apply layer of 1-2″  compost to soil and till 3-4″ in depth. Re-apply each year or as soil test recommendations.

What quanity of compost do I need for my lawn?
For more information about how much you need, then please see our Mulch and Topsoil Application Chart.

What is leaf mulch?
Mulch that is made of chopped up leaves that is not yet compost.

What is the difference between mulch and compost?
Compost is a growing medium and mulch is a weed barrier. Compost makes a good mulch after required tempatures have been met.

Why should I get finely ground mulch?
So it will not matt up, will allow the water to penetrate and not run off, has more moisture retentive qualities and composts into rich soil.

Why do I get yellow and white slimy stuff growing on my mulch after a few days of rain?

It is the decomposition process starting. There is nothing to worry about, the fungus will go away when it dries up. A little nitrogen added to the mulch may help reduce the chance of fungus.

Why should I use compost or a compost blend and not straight topsoil?
Southeastern Pennsylvania has all the essential nutrients in the soil but our stubborn soil will not release these nutrients to the plants. Individuals can reduce the costs of putting on lime, fertilizer and other amenities to help the soil. Compost added to the soil will allow our stubborn Pennsylvania soil to release all its nutriments to the plants, thus giving us healthy and beautiful plants.

How high should a raised bed be?

Ideally 18 to 24 inches and no wider than 3′.  I think 2.5 feet wide is the best.  Remember you are now getting heat from the sun on 4 sides (3 sides and the top).  

Do I need a soil blend to put in my raised bed to grow vegetables?
YES.Topsoil mixed in the compost helps the topsoil release its nutriments up to your plants. Perlite and sand added to your mix helps with drainage and compaction.

Compost occurs in nature as the life cycles of plants and other organic matter are left on the timberland floor decomposing and leaving a rich moist sweet-smelling soil. We do this process here at Barnside so you can give back to nature what nature intended.

Mushroom soil verses compost:  Why?/ Why not?
 Both materials are good, combined even better.  Leaf compost retains better moisture and creates an ionization so the soil can release its nutriments to the plants. Mushroom soil is higher in nitrogen.

Some mushroom soils are high in salts; compost contains no salts. 

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