If your lawn or garden is filled with weeds or is looking a little lackluster, compost might be the solution. This lawn care product can turn your troubled or unestablished landscape into a neighborhood favorite. Sometimes it can be hard to know which compost to choose when there are so many types available, but don’t let that scare you! This wide variety of options just means there is a perfect blend out there for any given project.

To help you choose and use the appropriate compost for your job, let’s dive into why you should use compost in the first place. Some common benefits to using compost include:

• Restoring soil structure, porosity, and density.
• Increasing water holding capacity in sandy soils, so you can water less!
• Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and other pollutants.
• Promoting higher yields of agricultural crops.
• Diverting material from being dumped into a landfill.
• And much more!

Depending on your intended use, there are several compost types available. The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility offers a variety of compost, compost blends, and mulches that can help with various projects. Find out which products are best for your project below.

To establish a new garden or turf
Seven Generations Compost

• Our premium Seven Generations Compost helps create soil structure and nutrition to start your garden or lawn off right.
• For new gardens or sodding, add 1-2 inches compost over the surface area and till in with a shovel or rotary tiller before planting. More compost can be used if incorporated to a greater depth.

To maintain lawn care
Option 1: Half Moon Blend (50/50)

• This blend can be used like black dirt to build low spots in your lawn or garden, which will help improve your yard’s drainage.
• It is comprised of 50% compost and 50% screened black dirt.
• To do so, simply spread the mix into low-lying areas of your lawn or garden bed.

Option 2: Top Dressing

• This compost is finely screened (1/4”) compost used to give your lawn a nutrient boost!
• It helps lawns retain water and reduces irrigation needs.
• To apply, first mow your grass as short as possible within its recommended range. Then, use a core aerator and spread your preferred grass seed. Finally, spread top dressing over your lawn in a thin (1/4-1/2”) layer and rake over it for an even coverage.

To plant or maintain a garden
Option 1: Harvest Moon Blend (Garden Blend)

• Because of the lower pH levels that plants prefer, this special blend is ideal for vegetable gardens, flower gardens, and potting soil.
• It is comprised of 40% compost, 40% black dirt, and 20% peat moss.
• To use, simply place your plants in the compost blend how you would using any other soil mixture.

Option 2: Rain Garden Blend

• This blend, which features a mixture of sand and compost, can be used to create a rain garden in low-lying, high-water areas.
• This option is great for drainage needs and offers infiltration.

Option 3: Seven Generations Compost

• This premium compost helps improve soil structure and nutrition to create healthy lawns, high-yielding gardens, and vibrant flower beds.
• Mix one part compost with one part soil and blend well, then apply.

To complete custom projects
Custom Blends

• Visit smscorf.com/contact to contact the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility for all of your custom project needs.
• Orders must be 10 cubic yards or more to request a custom blend.

If you’re looking to further spruce up your landscaping, consider adding mulch!

• To apply mulch, level an area with a landscaping rake or by hand. Apply a layer of landscaping fabric landscape for extra weed control. Using a shovel or hands, place small mounds of mulch around the space you are working with. Evenly spread the mulch out into a 2-3” layer.
• You can also use compost as a mulch by applying it around the roots of trees and woody plants to enhance growth and improve watering results.

Compost and mulch products are very versatile and can be used on a number of yard and garden projects. The SMSC Organics Recycling facility is happy to answer any questions you may have about product selection and use. Visit the facility’s online storefront at smscorf.com/shop to learn more about products for sale and to purchase compost and mulch.