Claystone Compost for Residential Use
How to use Claystone CCME Category A Compost
Claystone Compost is lab-tested Category A compost.
Compost is used to enhance soil by mixing into the soil or as a top dressing. Compost is not a replacement for soil.
Finished compost can be applied to the soil in many different ways such as a soil amendment (mixing into the soil) or as a top dressing/mulch (spread compost on top of the soil where it will be incorporated over time). Use on lawns, flower beds, vegetable gardens, trees and shrubs as outlined below.
Existing flower beds: Add about 1/2” of compost as a top dressing. If adding mulch, apply compost first, then cover with mulch. If last year’s mulch is still in place, remove it, add a layer of compost, then re-apply the mulch. Water until the entire root zone is saturated.
New beds: Add 2” of compost and mix to at least a 1 foot depth. Although compost is beneficial whenever it is added to soil, for the best results, add your compost about 4 weeks before planting. This will give the compost some extra time to boost the level of beneficial organisms in your soil.
Vegetable gardens: Apply about 3/4” of compost as a top dressing, either before or after planting. For best results, apply the compost at least 4 weeks before planting. You can also put a bit of compost in the hole you make when you plant your seedlings.
New lawns: Apply 2” of compost and mix thoroughly and uniformly to a depth of 1 foot before you sod or seed your lawn. Water thoroughly. As with gardens, you will get the best results if you apply the compost at least 4 weeks before seeding.
Established lawns: Aerate the entire area before topdressing. Rake 1/2” of compost evenly over the area. Water thoroughly. For best results, apply in early spring or fall.
Mulching around trees: Blend 1 part compost to 4 parts wood chip mulch. For best results, apply in early spring or fall. Always arrange the mulch so that water flows away from the tree trunk.
Tree planting: Dig a hole about 5 times the diameter of the root ball of the tree. Before planting, mix 1 part compost and 6 parts original soil and mix thoroughly outside of the hole. Place the tree in the hole and use the compost-soil mixture as backfill around the root ball. Water thoroughly. For best results, apply a compost-wood chip mixture as a mulch around the tree (see above).
Information provided by compost.org
Compost may contain food allergens, and adverse reactions may occur in sensitive persons. To reduce risk, wear a dust mask and protective gloves. If skin contact occurs, wash with soap and water. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention.