FAQ’s
Check out our frequently asked questions, and we hope you find the answer to exactly what you were wondering!
What separates Blue Ribbon compost from other products?
Our product incorporates food waste. This gives our finished product more natural nutrients and higher nitrogen levels compared to yard-waste-only compost. Incorporating food waste into our process also helps with water retention, which is ideal for the hot summer months, translating to less watering time and cost.
Our process eliminates the threat of weed seed. This doesn’t mean the homeowner’s garden won’t have weeds; however, our product will not generate its own obnoxious weeds that most compost contains due to improper turning techniques or incomplete maturation.
Our program is Certified Organic (OMRI) and bears the US Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance. Both programs certify and signify our product’s superior quality.
How much area will 1 cubic yard cover?
100 square feet (10’ by 10’ area) at 3” deep
How much soil is needed for a 4’ by 8’ raised bed, 10’’ tall?
1 cubic yard
How tall should I build my raised bed garden?
For raised garden beds, you need at least 10-12” of soil.
How heavy is 1 cubic yard of material?
Compost = Approx. 1,300 lbs.
Garden Soil = Approx. 2,000 lbs.
Hardwood Mulch = 500 lbs.
Leaf Mulch = 500 lbs.
How many bags = 1 cubic yard?
27 bags
How many 5 gallon buckets = 1 cubic yard?
40 buckets
How many bushels = 1 cubic yard?
22 bushels
How much compost should I add to my garden?
We recommend adding at least 2-3 inches of compost into the top 3-5 inches of your garden soil. Spread several inches of compost on top of your existing bed, then till it into the soil. Alternatively, you can add a handful of compost to every hole you dig to plant seeds or plants to save on compost usage.
When should I add compost?
Spring and fall are the two best times to add compost. It is the customer’s preference as to what works best for their garden/time. In the spring, we recommend adding compost before you are ready to plant. In the fall, we recommend removing all garden debris and adding compost before temperatures dip below freezing.
How often should I add compost to my garden?
We recommend supplementing your garden soil at minimum every two years. If it works in your budget, adding compost and supplementing organic matter/nutrients in your garden annually is always recommended. Compost has a 2 year shelf life for optimal nutrient release and microbial life.
Can I grow directly in pure compost?
Although your plants can technically grow directly in compost, we do not recommend this method. Growing plants in pure compost causes problems for the root structure of plants as they mature. Without soil or other substrates, your garden will lack the structure and minerals that plants’ root systems need to grow and flourish.
Why choose compost over manure?
Compost contains a higher concentration of nutrients than manure. Also, due to how compost is processed, it is a safer product; i.e. proper turning techniques eliminate harmful pathogens such as weed seed. Compost also provides a higher organic matter content that slowly releases necessary nutrients throughout your growing season for plants to thrive.
How do I top-dress my lawn and when do I do it?
We recommend top-dressing your lawn in the fall. The steps we tell our customers are: (1) cut the grass short, (2) aerate, (3) add grass seed, and (4) top-dress the lawn with at least 1/2” of compost. After that, care is also key: Stay off the lawn and water only if needed. In the fall, the temperatures are cooler and the grass doesn’t grow as rapidly, so it’s easier to stay off the lawn.
Have a question not on here?
We would be happy to help.