Leafgrow and screened topsoil blend

[gtnate]

I just built a raised bed and am planning on filling it with combination compost, vermiculite, peat moss. I need to have about 2 cubic yards of the compost delivered for the beds, and would like to get 3 additional cubic yards to spread on my lawn before I reseed this fall (the lawn was a bit of a weed fest when I bought the house this Spring).

However, it seems like the mixture of screened topsoil and compost would be better for the lawn than pure compost. Does anyone have a strong opinion (either positive or negative) for going with pure compost for the garden over a screened topsoil/compost blend? Also, the compost is called Leafgrow, has anyone had any experiences with this product?

Here's a link to the supplier's web site.

http://www.hclandscapesupply.com/soi...aryland_MD.php

Thanks!

[Doug9345]

I personally would go with the straight compost. Topsoil is just that, soil. It has a lot of mineral content to it. The compost should be just about all organic material.

[Redbaron]

I personally like the soil option.

[gtnate]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up going with the pure compost, and mixed 2 parts compost to 1 part peat moss to fill the bed. I skipped out on vermiculite, as it was pretty expensive.

I plan on putting some garlic at the end of one bed in October, and am looking forward to spring to fill the rest of the bed.

[beeman]

Originally Posted by gtnate

Thanks for the advice. I ended up going with the pure compost, and mixed 2 parts compost to 1 part peat moss to fill the bed. I skipped out on vermiculite, as it was pretty expensive.
I plan on putting some garlic at the end of one bed in October, and am looking forward to spring to fill the rest of the bed.

I believe you could use some form of aggregate to 'open up' your 'soil' for the roots to get through it. As it is it will tend to pack down and the roots might starve for oxygen.
You should be able to buy 'perlite' in a reasonable sized pack, adding that will open up the soil, at a reasonable cost.
Just my 2 cents worth.

[momato]

I just picked up some compost at veteran compost they are in Aberdeen they use food scraps in their compost and they also make their own warm castings


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[lexusnexus]

Thanks for the link. We are in Silver Spring so that might come in handy.

Dan

[gtnate]

Thanks for the advice Beeman. I installed the beds last fall and used compost and sphagnum peat moss. The mix still seems to be really light and fluffy still. I planted garlic in the fall that is doing really well. The squirrels digging in my beds also showed me that my garlic has really good root development.

However, when I get the chance to do so I plan to add some 'aggregate' as suggested. I will probably do so this Fall around the same time I add more compost (from my own compost bin this time, you wouldn't believe how excited I am about that).

In your experience, do you think that perlite, vermiculite, or pine bark fines would serve as the best aggregate material? I have read that perlite and vermiculite can both decompose and turn into mush. I guess the pine bark fines will decompose as well. Does it really even matter which I use?

[beeman]

Originally Posted by gtnate

In your experience, do you think that perlite, vermiculite, or pine bark fines would serve as the best aggregate material? I have read that perlite and vermiculite can both decompose and turn into mush. I guess the pine bark fines will decompose as well. Does it really even matter which I use?

I don't suppose it really matters which you use, as it will all eventually break down, but to help prevent compaction you need aggregate of some sort. Your choice, IMHO.