Compost: Uses, Cost, and Buying Guide
Also known as: Mushroom Compost, Garden Compost, Organic Compost
What Is Compost?
Decomposed organic matter used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention. Quality compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. It adds beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that support healthy plant growth and improve poor soils.
Great For Landscaping with Gravel
How Much Compost Do I Need?
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Is Compost Right for You?
Best for
- ✓ Soil amendment
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Lawn top-dressing
- ✓ Raised bed mix
Not recommended for
- ✗ Structural fill
- ✗ Drainage applications
- ✗ Direct planting (too rich — must be mixed)
Common Uses
- ✓ Soil amendment
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Lawn top-dressing
- ✓ Raised beds
- ✓ Tree and shrub planting
- ✓ Seed starting mix
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Dramatically improves soil structure and fertility | − Quality and composition vary widely between sources |
| + Increases water retention in sandy soils | − Can be odorous when fresh |
| + Improves drainage in clay soils | − May contain weed seeds if not fully composted |
| + Adds beneficial microorganisms | − Too rich for direct planting — must be mixed with soil |
| + Reduces need for chemical fertilizers | − Settles significantly after application |
Compost Sizes & Colors
Fine, crumbly texture when fully decomposed. Dark brown to black color. Should smell earthy, not sour or ammonia-like. Screened compost has been filtered to remove large uncomposted pieces. Mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom farming and is particularly nutrient-rich.
Compost Cost
| Measure | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per ton | $15 – $40 |
| Per cubic yard | $20 – $50 |
Sold by the cubic yard at landscape supply yards. Mix 2-4 inches of compost into the top 6-8 inches of existing soil for best results. Many municipalities offer free or low-cost compost from yard waste programs.
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size. Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas.
Compost vs Alternatives
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Compost by City
Compost Crushed limestone is commonly used and readily available in the following cities:
Find Compost Near You
6839 Piccadilly Dr, Houston, Texas
7555 FM-762, Richmond, Texas
491 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, New Jersey
26072 Merit Cir, Laguna Hills, California
W3998 US Highway 45, Eden, Wisconsin
100 N Washington St, Boston, Massachusetts
2800 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
72 Miller Rd, Colchester, Connecticut