how do you mix in your compost

stevenfstein 12/23/2020, 3:26 pm

will be purchasing a variety of compost to mix into the new garden. Most of the directions say to mix in one to two inches into the top 3 - 5 inches of soil. That puts me about5 - 7 inches deep. In the past I just used a tiller but with SF I read that is not necessary. So my question - what tool(s) do you use to mix this in. Have about 144 sq ft to do. Suggestions appreciated

Best... Steve

OhioGardener 12/23/2020, 5:11 pm

Steven, I am not sure how the top 2" to 3" turned into 5" to 7" deep. Might be a senior moment, but the rule is still to work it into the top 2" to 3", not 5" to 7". I just spread the compost on top of the beds then use a hand cultivator to rake it into the top couple inches of soil. It does not need to be completely mixed into the soil, that will happen as you plant seeds or transplants into the soil, and the earthworms will busily carry it down into their tubes. I don't recommend tilling or turning over the soil with a shovel or fork, that disturbs a lot of soil life. Just rake the compost in.

stevenfstein 12/23/2020, 6:35 pm

OhioGardener wrote:Steven, I am not sure how the top 2" to 3" turned into 5" to 7" deep. Might be a senior moment, but the rule is still to work it into the top 2" to 3", not 5" to 7". I just spread the compost on top of the beds then use a hand cultivator to rake it into the top couple inches of soil. It does not need to be completely mixed into the soil, that will happen as you plant seeds or transplants into the soil, and the earthworms will busily carry it down into their tubes. I don't recommend tilling or turning over the soil with a shovel or fork, that disturbs a lot of soil life. Just rake the compost in.

math was never my strong point, that's why my wife gives me an allowance. I was looking at a top down approach - 2 inches compost mixed down 3 - 5 inches so my cultivator would have to reach down 5 inches? Anyway, think you gave me the answer. My wife and daughter gave me a couple of Asano Japanese Ninja Claw Rake/Cultivator that should work pretty well for mixing.

Much appreciated.... Steve

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