I'm starting a vegetable garden this year and while I plan to make my own compost eventually, I need to buy some for the first season. I've struggled to find affordable options online and noticed that many of the available products are just composted manure, which I'm unsure about. I've also heard concerns about mushroom compost being low in nutrients. I'm setting up six 4x8 raised beds and need advice on how much compost I'll require. Are there services like Chip Drop but for compost that won't break the bank? Any tips on soil building would also be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
You might want to check out local parks or city recycling facilities since some places offer free compost to residents. It’s often high quality, and you could bring your own container. Also, landscaping companies may sell compost in bulk, which can be much cheaper than buying bagged versions. I had 3 yards delivered once, and it was super convenient! If you're up for it, getting a friend with a truck to help pick some up is a good idea too.
I’d suggest looking at your local farms; you might find folks who sell good composted manure or even mixed compost that’s well broken down. It’s totally worth it because quality compost helps a lot with soil fertility! I’ve bought from a local farm for about $35 a yard, and it’s a mix of manure and bedding that they’ve composted properly.
For your raised beds, remember that you don’t need to fill them entirely with compost. You can save some cash by using cheap materials as fill in the bottom (like sticks or leaves) and just topping them off with quality compost. A raised bed soil calculator online can help estimate how much compost you'll need. Good luck with your garden!