Composting is one of the best ways to enrich your garden soil and ensure healthy plant growth, but timing is key. Knowing when to add compost to your garden can maximize its benefits and help your plants thrive. Whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or ornamental plants, the right composting schedule can make a big difference in soil health, plant nutrition, and overall garden success. At Skagit Soils, we provide high-quality compost to support your gardening needs year-round. In this post, we’ll explore the best times of year to add compost to your garden and why timing matters.

1. Spring: Prepare Your Garden for Growth

Spring is one of the most popular times to add compost to your garden, and for good reason. As the soil warms up and plants come out of dormancy, they begin their active growth phase, making spring the perfect time to replenish the soil with nutrients. Adding compost in early spring, before you plant new seeds or seedlings, helps improve soil structure, aeration, and moisture retention. The organic matter in compost enriches the soil, providing your plants with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.

How to apply compost in spring: Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost on top of your garden beds or work it into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This gives the compost time to integrate with the soil and provide a nutrient boost for your spring planting.

2. Fall: Rejuvenate the Soil for the Next Season

Fall is another excellent time to add compost to your garden, particularly after your summer crops have been harvested and your flower beds have finished blooming. Adding compost in the fall helps rejuvenate depleted soil and prepares it for the next growing season. Fall composting is especially useful because it gives the organic matter time to break down over the winter months, enriching the soil for spring planting.

How to apply compost in fall: After you clear away dead plants, leaves, and debris, spread a thick layer of compost over your garden beds. You can leave it on the surface or gently work it into the top layer of soil. Over winter, the compost will decompose and blend with the soil, adding valuable nutrients.

3. Mid-Summer: Support Active Growth

While spring and fall are the most common times to add compost, applying a light layer of compost in mid-summer can benefit actively growing plants. If you notice your plants need a nutrient boost, especially after heavy rains or during intense growing periods, compost can help. Mid-summer composting is particularly useful for vegetable gardens, where plants may need extra nutrition to support fruit and vegetable production.

How to apply compost in summer: Add a 1-inch layer of compost around the base of your plants as a top dressing. This helps to retain moisture, keep weeds at bay, and feed your plants during their growth peak.

Why Choose Skagit Soils for Your Compost Needs?

At Skagit Soils, we offer high-quality compost made from organic materials, perfect for enriching your garden soil throughout the year. Whether you’re preparing your garden for spring planting, refreshing your beds in the fall, or giving your plants a mid-season boost, our compost will help improve soil fertility and support healthy plant growth.

Visit Skagit Soils today to learn more about our compost products and how they can help you create a thriving, sustainable garden!