I was planning on starting an organic garden and I wanted to try and use only compost. I would rather avoid using the soil around me only because our yard is constantly sprayed with pesticides and herbicides.
Is there anything that I would need to add to the compost (besides soil or top soil) in order to grow plants? I would really want to avoid regular soil if possible.
Well, compost needs to be cut in half at least or roots will burn. I use a ’soil-less’ mix of 1/3 compost, 1/3 coarse vermiculite, and 1/3 shredded peat (well soaked).
Even if you mix your compost with packaged top soil, you will have to get some assurances that it is organic soil. Anyone can package up dirt and call it top soil. Don’t believe it–ask.
I would recommend you start with the book "Square Foot Gardening". You can also check out the website. The book explains exactly what you can do – using vermiculite, peat moss, and compost in equal portions is an ideal soil mix. Using this mixture in raised beds is ideal and the quality of the current soil does not matter.
I would be careful though, if there are chemicals sprayed in the area they can still end up on your "organic" plants.
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Well, compost needs to be cut in half at least or roots will burn. I use a ’soil-less’ mix of 1/3 compost, 1/3 coarse vermiculite, and 1/3 shredded peat (well soaked).
Even if you mix your compost with packaged top soil, you will have to get some assurances that it is organic soil. Anyone can package up dirt and call it top soil. Don’t believe it–ask.
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go buy some soil at the hardware store mix it with your compost and plant your plants they will grow.
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you need to add some top soil .. but pete moss is organic and good for the garden
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soil contains several things that are necessary to good plant growth…. trace minerals, mycelium, other microbes that help the plant’s roots…. and plain fertlizers won’t contain those…. so some soil really does need to be included in your mix……….and that’s GARDEN or FOREST soil, not a sterile bagged ‘top soil’ product…..
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