What do you do with leftover compost after harvesting?
Asked by GardenExplorer42
I've been gardening for a few years and usually just put used compost in the bin or use it on garden beds. This year, I've grown my potatoes in sacks using a mix of bought compost and grass clippings. Now that I'm harvesting the first earlies, I have a ton of leftover compost. I'm a bit concerned that adding it to my compost bin will dilute its nutrient quality since it was used for potatoes. How do you all handle your used compost?
Answers
I find used compost perfect for things like carrots, scallions, and flowers. Since I deal with white rot in my soil, I prefer container gardening for onions and carrots. I freshen up the mix with some blood, fish, and bone meal, or chicken manure pellets. After using it for various crops, I keep it for the next year’s potatoes if I can. Don't throw away good potting mix!
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I usually mix my leftover compost into the compost heap; it helps break down the grass and sticks effectively. It's a great way to keep it useful!
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As long as you don’t have any soil-borne diseases, you can reuse the growing media. When I finish harvesting my early potatoes, I dump the mix into a wheelbarrow, add some fresh compost to replenish its nutrients, and then it goes back into the same container for my main crop. It works well!
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CompostingNovice12: That’s a smart idea! I never thought of saving it for another season.
GardenGeek99: Totally agree! It’s like recycling your soil. Makes total sense.