Compost
What is it? Why Use it? What do we offer?
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These are all very common questions we are happy to help you with. The simplest definition of compost is "decomposed organic matter", and the types of organic matter that make up various composts are key to understanding what the different varieties can do to help your plants. Compost is a soil amendment that doesn't "feed" your plants like fertilizer, rather it enhances your soil to make it healthier and more rich in nutrients for your plants. Think of it like eating a well balanced, healthy diet versus taking a handful of pills. Compost creates a healthy environment full of microbes and fungi which will enhance growth naturally.
Please note that we recommend adding a thin layer of compost to established gardens but, if you are starting with a brand new bed, we recommend a 50/50 blend of loam/compost. Too much of a good thing is not always best in the plant world! We are happy to help you figure out how much you need based on what you are starting with, just give us a call, send us an email, or stop by! Not sure how much to order? If you have the dimensions of your box and/or garden, you can use our calculator to figure out your yardage. As always, we are happy to help!
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Here are the composts we offer:
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OCEAN GARDEN
A carefully balanced blend of one or more of the following: salmon, herring, shellfish, sphagnum peat moss, and organic humus. Ideal for flowers, vegetables and shrubs. Also excellent for rejuvenating lawns and enhancing soil. This compost is great for retaining water which is great for dry summers. When mixed with our Super Soil, it creates a superior blend that many growers depend on for quality results. More information can be found here.
COMPASSIONATE
Comprised of composted horse manure as well as horses and other farm animals, this unique variety of compost offers excellent nutrients for a wide variety of plants. Higher in iron, calcium, and blood meal than other composts, compassionate compost will help aide the natural microbial metabolisim and boost the production of chlorophyl in your plants. This unique way of composting owners' beloved pets is done right here in Auburn by Michelle Melaragno. Read more here.
FOOD WASTE COMPOST
This high-quality compost recipe transforms yesterday's food scraps into the perfect soil amendment for your lawn and garden. This compost is fully "cooked" during a 12-week active composting phase, when pile temperatures are maintained at 120 to 160 degrees. After, the piles are screened and cured for an additional 12 to 16 weeks until the product is fully stable and ready to add nutrients and soil structure to your lawn or garden. Highly sought after by commercial growers for reliable results! Due to the nature of this "food waste" product, please note it may contain non-compostable items. Please inquire for more information.
SUPER SOIL
Super Soil is not a compost but our own specially blended finished potting soil. Formulated with our Cannabis Growing customers in mind, this soil has become a favorite of many customers for vegetables, flowers, indoor plants, and more! More information can be found here.
BENSON'S FARM
SURF N' TURF
This is a high quality compost certified by MOFGA certification services and approved for use in organic production. It is comprised of farm, forest, and ocean products. Made in Gorham, Maine, Benson’s compost is formulated to maximize the diversity of nutrients available for thriving plants. The magic ingredient of lobster shells contains calcium, phosphates, magnesium and chitin which enhances the availability of important nutrients. A popular choice in the cannabis and organic communities, this specialty blend is sure to enhance any garden setup. Read more about Benson's Farm here.
SEAFOOD COMPOST
This OMRI certified compost is a superior blend of crab and lobster shells composted with softwood bark. More on the alkaline side, Seafood Compost will help to raise the pH of exisiting soils or act as a suitable medium for plants that benefit from alkaline soils such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, peas, lavender, and hydrangea. Being OMRI certified, this compost is approved for organic garden practices. This is also a manure-free product.
COMPOSTED COW BLEND
One of our customers' all around standbys, this compost is made up mainly of cow manure and other organic matter including bark and peat. Ideal for vegetables, plants, and shrubs, it offers beneficial nutrients for an array of plants. Additionally, this compost helps to aerate your soil, breaking up any clumps and helping your soil to retain water. That means less watering for you!
GARDEN SOIL
Our custom, in-house blend is not acuallty a compost but a “one and done” ready to use growing medium for a wide range of garden applications. Many of our customers didn’t want to decide what compost would be best so we got together with a lab and formulated our own 50/50 loam/compost blend which is ready for seedlings or mature plants. We blend our loam with a few varieties of compost we carry, mix in peat moss and, voila, we offer our own Bush’s Baked Bean Recipe of Garden Soil! Truly a customer favorite, this is ready to go in raised beds, on top of current soil, or tilled into exisiting gardens. Many customers use it for flower beds, lawns and outdoor potted plants as well.
