When do you add compost to raised beds

Dark Rumor · December 11, 2022

When is the best time to add compost to a raised bed. I usually add compost, lime and fertilizer as I plant my tomotoes in Mid-March.

If I add compost in December or January will the benefits of the compost get washed away by the rain?

biscuitridge · December 11, 2022

You can add your compost now,the nutrients don't get washed out,they are not soluble like typical NPK salts.

PaulF · December 12, 2022

Any time is what I say, too. For me, spring after everything thaws out and it can be mixed into the soil.

Milan HP · December 12, 2022

Half of the positive effect of compost is to the structure of soil. The other half in adding nutrients. If you don't want to use other fertilizers, it's a bit better to add it before you seed or plant whatever you grow. The difference is marginal though.
Milan HP

WoodSprite · December 13, 2022

I use to add it in the spring. More recently I top off my raised beds with compost and mulch after I clean them out in the fall. That way they are ready to go in the spring. (I don't turn the soil. Just add more layers.) I like this way better for me, however, pretty much anytime you have the time to add the compost is good.

Dark Rumor · December 13, 2022

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodSprite

I use to add it in the spring. More recently I top off my raised beds with compost and mulch after I clean them out in the fall. That way they are ready to go in the spring. (I don't turn the soil. Just add more layers.) I like this way better for me, however, pretty much anytime you have the time to add the compost is good.

If the weeds are not heavy then I do not turn the soil either. What mulch do you use.

WoodSprite · December 14, 2022

I use fine pine shavings from Tractor Supply Company. Some people claim you shouldn't use wood as mulch but I've been using wood chips, sawdust, pine shavings, etc. for over 25 years in my gardens with no ill effects.

Tractor Supply's larger pine shavings (white packaging) would last longer (I use it in my dog's fenced area) but I like the fine shavings (yellow packaging) for the garden. (Both are outside by the front door. You pay inside and pick up on your way out. At least that's how it is here in Pennsylvania.)

JRinPA · December 15, 2022

I add some compost about every time I plant or seed. Some years, if uncovered and just laid on top, and we get a dry, hot spell, that added layer will seem to dry out and get very friable.

In general I add the most in the spring while prepping beds, or in the fall when they are done. Just this week I cut off the asparagus stalks and added about 1" of compost, a layer of chopped leaves, and a layer of wood chips. I did my 30 ft raised bed a few months ago. The 20ft still has carrots and parsnips, so that is untouched. For me, it is a definite "whenever" when it comes to compost.

I don't know the climate down there. Other than a lot stronger sun than here. If you get a lot of rain, your nutrition might get washed away. I don't add much fertilizer other than all purpose 10-10-10, usually when I am re-upping the beds with compost.

December 12, 2022	#3
PaulF Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brownville, Ne Posts: 3,295	Any time is what I say, too. For me, spring after everything thaws out and it can be mixed into the soil. __________________ there's two things money can't buy; true love and home grown tomatoes.

December 11, 2022	#2
biscuitridge Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: washington Posts: 498	You can add your compost now,the nutrients don't get washed out,they are not soluble like typical NPK salts.

December 12, 2022	#4
Milan HP Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Ústí nad Labem in the north of the Czech Republic Posts: 332	Half of the positive effect of compost is to the structure of soil. The other half in adding nutrients. If you don't want to use other fertilizers, it's a bit better to add it before you seed or plant whatever you grow. The difference is marginal though. Milan HP

December 13, 2022	#5
WoodSprite Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 23	I use to add it in the spring. More recently I top off my raised beds with compost and mulch after I clean them out in the fall. That way they are ready to go in the spring. (I don't turn the soil. Just add more layers.) I like this way better for me, however, pretty much anytime you have the time to add the compost is good.

December 14, 2022	#7
WoodSprite Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 23	I use fine pine shavings from Tractor Supply Company. Some people claim you shouldn't use wood as mulch but I've been using wood chips, sawdust, pine shavings, etc. for over 25 years in my gardens with no ill effects. Tractor Supply's larger pine shavings (white packaging) would last longer (I use it in my dog's fenced area) but I like the fine shavings (yellow packaging) for the garden. (Both are outside by the front door. You pay inside and pick up on your way out. At least that's how it is here in Pennsylvania.)

December 15, 2022	#8
JRinPA Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: SE PA Posts: 972	I add some compost about every time I plant or seed. Some years, if uncovered and just laid on top, and we get a dry, hot spell, that added layer will seem to dry out and get very friable. In general I add the most in the spring while prepping beds, or in the fall when they are done. Just this week I cut off the asparagus stalks and added about 1" of compost, a layer of chopped leaves, and a layer of wood chips. I did my 30 ft raised bed a few months ago. The 20ft still has carrots and parsnips, so that is untouched. For me, it is a definite "whenever" when it comes to compost. I don't know the climate down there. Other than a lot stronger sun than here. If you get a lot of rain, your nutrition might get washed away. I don't add much fertilizer other than all purpose 10-10-10, usually when I am re-upping the beds with compost.