For new garden beds: Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost to the soil surface. Add other amendments such as lime and N-P-K fertilizer as needed (check individual plant requirements.

Adding compost to your garden can help improve drainage, reduce pests and disease, and even increase the water-holding capacity of the soil.

Use Compost Compost consists of the perfect ratio of carbon-rich brown material and nitrogen-rich green material, making it a great way to boost nitrogen levels in the soil.

You'll need to check your compost regularly as ideal conditions will vary depending on your environment and how often you are adding to your compost.

When adding whole leaves, mix them into the compost pile to avoid matting. "Matted layers can impede moisture and airflow that the organisms in the pile need to do their decomposition work," she says.

Making your own compost isn't as hard or messy as you might think. It's recycling organic waste into the best soil-improver your yard could have.

“Whether you’re adding it to help improve fertility or water-holding ability: Compost, compost, compost. Until people truly grasp the importance of building healthy soil, they will struggle in ...

If you have a big garden or soil to improve before installing a lawn, cover crops are an alternative to hauling lots of compost.

How to select the right soil for your Sonoma County garden Adding soil you buy from your local garden center can be good for your plants but not all bags are the same.

How to enrich poor soil? Add compost Compost is decomposed organic matter, and it is one of the best tools you have for improving garden soil. It will feed the soil, improve its structure, promote ...