For new garden beds: Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost to the soil surface. Add other amendments such as lime and N-P-K fertilizer as needed (check individual plant requirements.

Compost has a long list of benefits for garden soil, but adding too much is detrimental to both plant health and the environment. Here's what to aim for.

Clay soil is difficult for many gardeners, since it tends to drain poorly and is difficult for plant roots to penetrate. Here ...

When adding whole leaves, mix them into the compost pile to avoid matting. "Matted layers can impede moisture and airflow that the organisms in the pile need to do their decomposition work," she says.

You'll need to check your compost regularly as ideal conditions will vary depending on your environment and how often you are adding to your compost.

Making your own compost isn't as hard or messy as you might think. It's recycling organic waste into the best soil-improver your yard could have.

Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials into a valuable soil-like substance called compost. Using compost as a soil amendment will add a small amount of nutrients to the ...

Tips and Tricks on How to Add Nitrogen to Soil Naturally For steady feeding that avoids nitrogen spikes, consider combining slow-release sources (like alfalfa meal and compost) with fast-acting ...

Adding straight compost to your soil, regardless if its sand, clay or gravel, is the best way to improve its water holding capacity, add nutrients and prevent erosion.

Adding compost and growing cover crops improves soil structure, increases the population of microorganisms, and enhances the overall health of the soil ecosystem.

Compost and yeast—two completely different things that, surprisingly, work well together. Yeast can aid in the decomposition process of a compost pile. How does one go about this? The post Why You ...

If you have a big garden or soil to improve before installing a lawn, cover crops are an alternative to hauling lots of compost.