Best Compost for Your Garden: 9 Top Picks!

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Looking to add some compost to your raised bed? Let’s find the best compost for your garden. Of course, you’ll need to consider a few things before making your purchase, but we’re here to help!

Choosing the best compost for your garden can be difficult. There are so many options out there, and it is hard to know which one will work best for you.

In this article, we will discuss several different types of compost you can buy that all offer their own benefits. By the end, you’ll have a great idea about the best compost for your garden!

Best Compost for Your Garden

Creating your own organic compost pile gives you complete control of all the nutrients that you put into your garden, but the process of creating your own compost takes months.

For those who don’t have the time or enough space to make their own compost piles, purchasing bagged compost is an excellent option. You can find compost online or at local garden centers.

We’ve researched for you and have hand-picked the best composts for your garden.

Best Bagged Compost for Your Garden

Compost	Best For	Purchase
Charlie’s Compost	Best Overall	Buy Now
Dr. Earth All Purpose Compost	Best Multi-Purpose Compost	Buy Now
Super Compost by Soil Blend	Best for Fruits, Vegetables, and Raised Beds	Buy Now
Sungro Organic Garden Compost Blend Potting Mix	Best for Flowers and Vegetables	Buy Now
Black Kow Composted Cow Manure	Best Composted Cow Manure	Buy Now
Espoma Land and Sea Compost	Best for Unique Blend	Buy Now
Blue Ribbon Organics Organic Compost	Best Certified Organic Compost (OMRI Certified Organic)	Buy Now
Purple Cow Organics Tomato Gro Compost	Best for Growing Tomatoes	Buy Now
Fort Vee Compost-Based Potting Mix	Best for Seedlings	Buy Now

Best Bagged Compost for Your Garden

1) Charlie’s Compost

Charlie’s Compost is made from antibiotic-free chicken manure, straw, and other natural ingredients. In addition, this compost is completely peat-free, which is a plus for environmentalists.

The state of Kentucky has recognized Charlie’s compost as certified organic.

This product, developed from a family-owned farm, has given incredible results in the garden to thousands of pleased customers.

This compost is extremely versatile and is great for flower and vegetable gardens. It can be used for raised bed vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree planting, and so much more.

Charlie’s Compost tops our list as the best overall compost for all your gardening needs, and for good reason. The proof is in the results!

2) Dr. Earth All Purpose Compost

Dr. Earth All Purpose Compost is a hand-crafted blend of organic material and earthworm castings that can be used to mulch, break up heavy clay soil and improve texture in the garden or around your home.

This all-purpose compost is made from 100-percent natural ingredients, including green-fed earthworm castings, cold water kelp meal, valley-grown alfalfa meal, and tons of other nutrients.

Use this product to amend planting holes for trees, shrubs, planting flowers, vegetables, or even amending a new lawn.

3) Super Compost by Soil Blend

Super Compost by Soil Blend is a special mixture of composted cow manure and alfalfa, blended with pure, high-quality earthworm castings.

Super Compost is rich in natural plant nutrients that feed your soil for better root growth, healthier plants, and more abundant harvests.

It’s great for the fruits and vegetables growing you’re looking to plant in your raised bed garden.

It’s also an excellent source of humus—the organic matter that helps retain water and improves soil structure for faster drainage during watering or rainfall.

Super Compost contains no synthetic ingredients, chemicals, or fillers. Instead, it’s made from 100% natural, high-quality organic ingredients.

4) Sungro Black Gold Natural and Organic Garden Compost Blend Potting Mix

The Sungro Black Gold Natural and Organic Garden Compost is perfect for outdoor gardening needs.

This premium potting soil is perfect for organic gardening. It contains a mix of composted or aged bark, Canadian sphagnum peat moss, and organic matter like rice hulls, mushroom compost casings mix, and cow manure.

Some of the compost ingredients will vary by region, but this mixture is sure to be your go-to when it comes time to get those plants growing in the garden!

The Sungro Black Gold Natural & Organic Garden Compost makes an excellent choice for any person looking to make their home greener with indoor plant life as well as maintaining healthy foliage outside on patios and gardens alike.

5) Black Kow Composted Cow Manure

Black Kow Composted Cow Manure is a premium, organic compost that provides aeration and moisture retention to hard, clay-type soils. The blend of nutrients released slowly encourages healthy plants without burning tender roots.

Black Kow composted cow manure works well for raised beds, potted plants and is even great for making compost tea.

6) Epsom Land and Ground Compost Mix

As we all know, sometimes the unique things create a major impact. That is exactly what Organic New Earth Compost does in our gardens! This mix takes nutritents from both the land and the sea to feed your plants.

It’s certified organic and can be used indoors or outdoors on any type of plant that you might have at home.

So, whether it’s an herb garden indoors or an outdoor foundation planting for your landscaping needs, this product will work wonders to make sure that everything grows as well as possible with servings of perfect nutrients.

7) Blue Ribbon Organics Organic Compost

Blue Ribbon Organics Organic Compost is a premium quality organic compost made from 100% recycled materials.

This compost is OMRI certified for organic use and contains no additives or fillers. It improves aeration and soil structure, promotes retention of water, and has been shown to improve yields in many crops.

Blue Ribbon Organics Organic Compost can be used at any concentration to improve your garden soils. It works very well with worm castings & other soil amendments to create the best growing environment possible!

8) Purple Cow Organics Tomato Gro Compost

Purple Cow Organics Tomato Gro Compost is a nutrient-rich, all-natural soil amendment that will help you grow the healthiest and most productive plants possible.

This compost-based blend of nutrients and minerals has been scientifically formulated for the tomato plant and other heavy-feeding vegetables.

This innovative organic mix contains all the required nutrients and trace elements plants need to grow big, strong fruits. It is an excellent way to feed your garden all season long naturally.

9) Fort Vee Compost-Based Potting Mix

Fort Vee Compost-Based Potting Mix is an organic, compost-based potting soil that’s right with nutrients and ideal for planting seedlings and fostering transplants. This potting mix will bring out the best in your plants while keeping them healthy and growing strong.

Fort Vee is an all-natural soil mix made from 100% recycled materials, including food waste, yard trimmings, and wood chips.

It features a unique blend of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, composted forest products, and mycorrhizae fungi to create

What is Compost? Why Should I Use It?

As per the Environmental Protection Agency, 21.6% of Municipal Solid Waste in the US accounts for food waste. These food wastes, along with other non-biodegradable elements, end up in landfills.

Here, food scraps undergo anaerobic decomposition, which is a process that occurs in the absence of oxygen. As a result, there is an increase in the release of greenhouse gases like Methane.

So, how can we play a role in solving this problem?

Why Should I Use Compost?

Composts are a great option in creating an ecosystem for decomposing food waste items.

Apart from food wastes, we can also use grass clippings, dead leaves, and shredded papers in compost. Through this, we can take a step towards the natural recycling of yard waste.

We can either prepare our own compost or purchase it from manufacturers. Another great option is to rely upon compost drop-off sites. It is helpful for those who live in cities and don’t have time or a place to create compost.

However, ensure that you are complying with their guidelines. For instance, most drop-off sites don’t accept oily food items or meat.

Composts, whether bought or made, can assist in bringing life to your garden. They can create fertile soil and furnish the plants with all the essential nutrients.

What Are The Benefits Of Compost To Garden Soil?

There have been numerous studies conducted across the globe analyzing the advantages of using composts.

In a paper published in Compost Science and Utilization, the scholars applied vegetable, fruit, and garden compost with cattle slurry. They practiced it for nine years.

At the end of their study, they found that compost enhanced the soil’s physical condition.

Akin to that, there are several other benefits associated with using composts for our garden beds. They include reduction of greenhouse gases, enhanced crop yield, improvement to soil structure, and water retention.

The enhanced soil ensures that you’re growing vegetables, flowers, and plants that are as healthy as can be. They give plants a means to a healthy soil food web (see more on healthy soil food webs).

Reduces The Emission Of Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases can harm our environment and pave the way for adversities like climate change. For example, when we use chemical or synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, they can affect soil quality.

Besides that, during their production, they can result in the release of greenhouse gases like Methane.

So how can we take a step towards the reduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides?

We can do so by switching to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives like composts. Through this, both the production and use of these pesticides and fertilizers will decrease.

Another factor that leads to greenhouse gas emissions is household garbage. We can reduce this issue by separating waste materials and using kitchen scraps to create organic compost.

Enhances Crop Yield

When we use compost in our garden, we can increase the crop yield. Several studies consider that it is possible.

Based on one of the research studies, the scholars found that compost can assist in improving crop yield. Along with that, it can aid in enhancing the crop’s nutrient quality.

It happens because compost contains both macronutrients and micronutrients. They help the plants attain all the required nutrients. Composts furnish these nutrients slowly to soil based on the requirements, which is yet another factor.

Besides that, they assist in reducing weeds and pests. Through this, crops can grow without any issues in the fertile soil.

Composts also help in maintaining the optimal pH level of the soil, between six and eight. Through these factors, compost creates a favorable environment for the crops to grow.

Improves The Soil Health And Soil Structure

Composts can play a crucial role in building soil structure and its quality.

When we add compost to the soil, it helps in reducing soil erosion. Whereas on the other hand, synthetic fertilizers can increase soil erosion.

Here, composts can provide the soil with beneficial bacteria that assist in the creation of a nutrient-rich material called Humus. These bacterias form them from the waste materials present in the compost.

In addition, worms and insects present in composts can increase aeration.

By using composts, the soil’s ability to hold air, water, and nutrients improve. It assists in binding the soil particles together and improving soil structure.

The bacterias and worms present in the soil work towards enhancing the soil’s health and quality.

Assists in Water Retention

Water retention by soil is an essential factor in reducing soil erosion.

When we use composts in our garden, we can decrease the washing away of soil. It can also assist in stormwater management.

Composts, which act as soil amendments, enhance root health and improves water retention capacity. It is also beneficial in water conservation.

When we use nutrient-rich compost, it assists in draining away excess moisture from the soil.

At the same time, it retains an adequate amount of moisture that will be helpful for both the soil and the plants.

Improves Our Overall Well-Being

When we start composting, we can create an awareness of the waste we usually generate. Through this, we can also switch to an organic way of living.

It will be a step towards setting up a small garden to grow crops that you will require for your household needs.

Composting can assist us in becoming eco-friendly people. It can also pave the way for the reduction of our carbon footprints.

These are some of the benefits associated with composting. Composting, in general, can be helpful for nutrient-rich soil and waste reduction.

What is the Best Compost for A Garden?

Once we have decided to step up compost or purchase organic compost for our garden, we must look into some factors.

There is a wide range of composts available in the market, but it is imperative to choose the best compost for the garden. When we do so, we have to consider some factors. They include:

1.  We have to look into the plants we wish to grow. Depending upon the type of plant, we have to consider the compost. Most plants do not face problems with the compost we use. However, some plants prefer acidic compost with less lime content.

2.  We have to focus on the plant’s growth stage. Based on that, the nutrition requirements of plants vary. For instance, seedlings and seeds need less nutrition. So, it is essential to opt for seed-based composts.

3.  When you get a plant from a garden center, they will add compost mix while planting it. However, when you are repotting, you have to ensure that you add the same quantity of compost.

Besides that, there are other factors as well. However, these are some of the essential components to consider.

By looking into these factors, you can create/purchase and use composts with ease. Now, let us have a look at the best compost for a garden.

What Makes A Good Compost

Good compost should be rich in nutrients optimized for plant growth. This will help the plants to grow well, and they can also absorb more water for better growth.

Hence, compost with an ideal soil content is best suited for your garden as it has all the necessary ingredients which any plant requires to flourish.

When you look at the best composts, most of them have a high percentage of nitrogen (that promotes greening) and carbonaceous material such as wood chips or straw that promote microbial activity leading to decomposition resulting in amendments like humus and nitrates.

Here are a few things to look for as you’re shopping for compost.

1.   A Good Balance of Nutrients – Mostly Nitrogen and Carbon
2.   Lots of Organic Matter
3.   Good Moisture Content
4.   Suitable pH range: 5.5 to 8.0
5.   Dark Brown Color
6.   Rich, Earthy Smell

General Types of Compost

Peat-Free Compost

For years, peat compost continues to exist as one of the sources for soil amendment. But, recent studies show that it is best to avoid the use of peat while preparing or purchasing composts.

Peat can take thousands of years to grow. We are currently extracting peat at a much faster rate than it can grow. Therefore, many environmentalists have encouraged people to opt for peat-free compost blends.

As per studies, there is only 3% peat present in our ecosystem, and it holds 30% of the world’s carbon. Therefore, harvesting peat will result in large amounts of carbon being released into our atmosphere.

So, it will be highly beneficial to rely upon peat moss-free composts. Peat-free composts use green compost materials, coir, coconut or wood fiber, etc.

We can prepare or purchase peat-free compost based on our convenience.

If you decide to buy peat-free compost, ensure that it has a peat-free label on it. You can also make peat-free compost from your home using a wormery.

Dr. Fay Edwards from the Alpine Garden Society explains the composting process. She uses wormery, worms, preferably tiger worms, garden soil, kitchen scraps, and paper.

Dr. Fay Edwards emphasizes it as a general rule to avoid fruits and vegetables from the citrus and onion family.

She also mentions that it is best to avoid cooked food items. By creating an equal balance of brown and green materials, we can prepare peat-free organic compost from our home.

One of the best peat-free compost brands that you can consider for your garden soil is selected below:

• Charlie’s Compost

Multi-Purpose Compost

When it comes to composts that we can use for general purposes, most people opt for multi-purpose composts.

We can use them in garden beds, patio pots, hanging baskets, etc. It has different types of ingredients, including wood chips, grass clippings, garden wastes, etc.

They are available with and without peat. However, it is best to opt for peat-free composts as they are eco-friendly.

We can use these multi-purpose composts to provide nutrients for plants like herbs, leafy salads, etc.

They can furnish nutrient components required for the soil and the plant for up to five weeks. Some of the benefits of using multi-purpose composts are:

1. They assist in the development of roots.
2. They help plants to absorb and hold water.
3. Multi-purpose composts release nutrients based on the plant’s requirements.
4. We can use it for a wide variety of plants.

Multi-purpose composts are, thus, one of the best composts for gardens. If you are new to gardening, using multi-purpose composts can be helpful in many ways.

Here is one of the best brands to consider while you’re looking for multi-purpose composts:

• Dr. Earth All Purpose Compost

Vegetable Garden Compost

More and more people are growing their own vegetables at home. But you need good quality compost to grow your own produce.

If you have a vegetable garden, you’ll want to make sure you have compost that can meet the nutritional needs of your hungry veggies.

The best composts for your vegetable garden include the appropriate balance of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The optimal mix of these three nutrients makes for happy, healthy, and thriving vegetables. Try one of these:

• Super Compost by Soil Blend
• Sungro Black Gold Natural and Organic Garden Compost Blend Potting
• Purple Cow Organics Tomato Gro Compost

Manure-Based Compost

Some of the best compost for your garden is made from the best mixtures of animal manure.

Manure compost has many benefits that make it a great choice. As a primary ingredient in field cultivation and gardening, it has been known for centuries to be one of the best organic sources of nutrients needed by plants during their growth stage.

Another benefit of using composted manure in your garden is its ability to naturally suppress weeds because they compete with seedlings at an early age.

Composted Manures are rich in n-Phenols which provide protection against disease-causing organisms such as E. Coli bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that would otherwise infect plant roots.

Here are a few manure-based composts we recommend:

• Black Kow Composted Cow Manure
• Organic New Earth – All Natural Compost

Compost for Seedlings

When it comes to seedlings or seeds, it is essential to take good care of them if you want them to bloom.

Most composts have high nutrient content in them, but many seedlings don’t need to be overfed. You don’t have to add many extra nutrients to these young plants or seeds.

So, when you are planting a seed, you have to opt for seed-based compost. It is light and well-drained in texture.

Seed-based composts have low nutrient content, which can aid in the growth of young plants. However, they are rich in phosphate, which assists in developing healthy roots.

It happens because the plant will only receive the appropriate amount of nutrients it requires.

Through this, we can also ensure that the plants grow with proper structure. Seed-based compost also provides care for the shoots.

We can use seed-based compost for bedding plants and also for raising crops in a greenhouse. It is beneficial in propagating plants by cutting as well.

If you want to purchase compost for your seedlings, here is a great brand to try:

• Fort Vee Compost-Based Potting Mix

Potting Compost

Potting compost is suitable while planting young plants or seedlings you purchased from a garden center.

You can either buy potting compost or prepare it from your house in a compost bin.

During the composting process, you have to add two portions of garden compost with one part of coir or coconut fiber.

You have to add vermiculite as it provides a drainage facility.

Potting compost can furnish nutrients for up to six months. It assists in root growth and also helps water absorption.

When it comes to purchasing the best potting mixture, here are a few great options:

• Sungro Black Gold Natural and Organic Garden Compost Blend Potting Mix
• Organic New Earth-All Natural Compost

Organic Compost

Many gardeners are looking for ways to maintain a healthy, organic garden. Bagged organic composts are a great option and are made from all-natural materials without pesticides and synthetic additives.

Organic materials like plant waste, leaves, and organic waste that would otherwise be discarded are used to develop these types of composts.

These materials have nutrients that help enrich your plants, and you don’t have to worry about any added chemicals getting into your food.

Organic compost is perfect if you’re looking to grow completely organic vegetables.

Many composts are actually organic, but only a handful are certified as organic through the USDA or the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute).

So if you’re looking for the best organic compost, here is an excellent compost option that is OMRI-certified.

• Blue Ribbon Organics – Organic Compost

Tips for Adding Compost to Garden

Now that you’ve picked the best compost for your needs. How do you put it in your garden? We’ve got that covered for you.

How To Add Compost To Garden

Adding compost to your garden is simple, but there are a few different methods depending on your situation.

If you have an existing bed of soil but no plants, you’ll want to work in about 1 to 2 inches of compost into the top 3 inches to 5 inches of the existing soil.

If you have existing plants, you can place the compost on top of the soil adjacent to your plants. It’s ok to mix the compost in a bit, but make sure you’re not destroying your plants’ root systems.

If you’re looking at adding compost to other places like flower beds or trees, EarthMatter.org has an informative article with some tips.

When to Add Compost to Garden Soil

Typically, it’s best to add compost to your garden soil in the fall, so it has a chance to break down over winter. However, if you’re planning on planting flowers or an annual garden bed, opt for early springtime.

How Much Compost to Add to Garden Soil

Typically, you’ll want to mix in about 1 to 2 inches of compost into the top 3 inches to 5 inches of the existing soil. The volume of the compost you’ll need will depend on the square footage of your garden.

One cubic foot of compost (about 5 lbs) should be able to cover about 6 to 8 square feet of your garden.