Some people recommend late fall as a good time to spread compost over a garden bed, and cover it with a winter mulch, such as chopped leaves. By spring, soil organisms will have worked the compost into the soil. Others recommend spreading compost two weeks before planting time in the spring.Click to see full answer. Furthermore, when should I add compost to my garden UK?Well rotted composts and manures will be relatively poor in soluble nutrients but rich in insoluble ones. On most soils they are best incorporated by cultivation in spring (March and April in most of the UK) just before growth starts. Sandy soils are best manured from late winter. how much compost should I add to soil? Determine the appropriate compost application depth for your project. The general rule of thumb is 1/4 to 1/2 inch if applying to the top of the soil and 1 to 2 inches if you plan to amend the soil. Recommended maximums are 30% to 50% compost in a soil blend, but no more than 30% compost in containers or raised beds. Accordingly, does compost need to be mixed with soil? Growing plants in pure compost can cause problems with water retention and stability as well. When mixed with topsoil, compost works wonders with water, as it allows good drainage through heavy soil while it retains water in sandy soil. Used on its own, however, compost drains quickly and promptly dries out.How do you add compost to an existing flower bed?Rake and till the compost layer into the existing soil around your plants. In order to mix the compost into your existing soil, rake and till the compost into the upper 6 inches (15 cm) of the soil around your plants. This provides aeration and allows the nutrients in the compost to enrich your existing soil.
