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Utilizing Gardener's Black Gold: Benefits and Best Practices for Composting

Discover the benefits of compost as a soil amendment, nutrient source, and mulch. Learn how to identify when compost is ready, how to apply it effectively, and its positive impact on plant growth and soil health. Take advantage of OSU soil testing services for enhanced gardening results.

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Utilizing Gardener's Black Gold: Benefits and Best Practices for Composting

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  1. Using this Gardeners Black Gold Brian Jervis Tulsa County Extension Educator Oklahoma State University

  2. Is it ready yet? • Ready to use when: • Temps within pile begin to cool and remain steady even after turning pile • Dark color and earthy smell • You just know! • Get it in the ground!

  3. Benefits of Compost Soil Amendment • Composts (Organic Matter) Builds Soil Structure • Improve drainage • Water holding capacity • Retain nutrients better

  4. Benefits of CompostSoil Amendment • Amount • 50 to 100 Lbs per 100 Square • 2 to 6 inches • Incorporate in soil • As deep as the plant roots, usually 6 inches • Adding Organic Matter • Helps break up the clay soils

  5. Benefits of Compost Soil Amendment • Add Nutrients • Nitrogen • Phosphorus • Potassium • Micronutrients • Manganese, Copper, Iron and Zinc

  6. Benefits of Compost • Feeds and supports living things in the soil • Living soil that contains beneficial organisms tends to be more productive • Diverts organic waste • Exercise

  7. Benefits of CompostMulch • Best single item to use in your landscape • Conserves Moisture • Maintains Temperatures • Weed Control • Physical Protection

  8. No Weeds = Faster Growth and Bigger Trees • Keep a five foot diameter circle free of grass and weeds. • Grass control most important • Herbicides • SETHOXYDIM • Poast (Hi-Yield) • FUSILADE • Grass-B-Gon (Ortho) • Over-The-Top Grass and Weed Killer (ferti•lome) • GLYPHOSATE • Roundup (Monsanto) • Killzall (ferti•lome)

  9. OSU Soil Testing • Routine Soil Tests are $10.00 • N, P, K and pH • We can also test for Micro and Secondary Nutrients • Soil Organic Matter, Texture and Salinity

  10. OSU Soil Testing • 10 to 14 day turn-a-round • Samples need to be somewhat dry, free of sticks and rocks • 15-20 mini samples per area • Bring us a pint • We mail the results

  11. Be Aware • Using “unfinished” compost could use up available nutrients from the plant • Too Many Nutrients • Too Much Salt • Lawns treated with herbicide • Know what was applied and when • Read the Label

  12. Questions?

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