Autumn fertilization with compost – a guide

The end of summer is slowly approaching. This is a good time to strengthen the soil structure and prepare it for the next season. Autumn fertilization with compost is a step towards a more beautiful garden in the spring. What can you do to make good use of this valuable fertilizer? Try our tips. 

When to use compost?

Although we can apply compost practically all year round, except in winter, it is best to fertilize with it in spring and autumn. The most favorable spring dates are from April to the end of June, and for autumn, November will be optimal, after removing the last weeds in October.

The autumn season is a good time to use semi-processed compost on plots as well. Why? Under the influence of minus temperatures, it will decompose more easily in the spring. Besides, it will effectively protect late varieties of vegetables such as parsley, carrots and garlic from frost.

Autumn fertilization with compost is not difficult, it is worth setting up a composter in the garden. It's an eco-friendly way to dispose of organic waste.

Autumn fertilization with mature compost can be used before sowing plants in the garden. It should be mixed shallowly with soil. Mature compost has a dark brown color and uniform structure of loose soil. You will also not find in it earthworms that leave the compost heap. If the compost is too acidic, we need to lime it beforehand, using, for example, crushed chalk.

What can fresh compost be used for?

We can use it as mulch, so a protective layer that allows you to maintain a favorable soil temperature for autumn and winter, reduces weeds, will also reduce water loss (slows evaporation) and enriches the soil with organic matter and nutrients.

Autumn fertilization with compost

We can use compost virtually without restriction, since over-fertilization with this organic fertilizer is unlikely.

Compost on beds and around perennial plants is spread in layers of about 2-5 cm. It should be mixed with soil. If you use compost for autumn beds, it will protect the roots of plants from frost.

Compost on the lawn can be spread both in the spring and in the fall. With a rake, spread a thin layer of fertilizer (about 1 cm) over the entire surface (in the amount of 20 to 40 kg per 10 m²).

Watch: How to prepare the perfect compost?

Why is compost screening important?

Before spreading this fertilizer on the plot, it should be sifted on a wire mesh with small mesh. The composted components decompose in different degrees, so you need to separate the undecomposed organic residue, from the valuable fertilizer. The compost should reach the roots of the plants, but not too deep, because it can be washed out of the deeper layers of the soil.

Ways to apply compost:

• ✅ fertilizing: spread compost evenly on a selected part of the soil and dig it to a depth of about 15 cm;
• ✅ mulching: this way of protecting plants is chosen when the soil is still moist and warm – this fertilizer will keep these optimal conditions for a longer time – it will act as insulation and protect plants from the effects of frost.

How does compost affect the soil and plants?

• ✅ fertilizes the soil because it is a source of organic matter and nutrients;
• ✅ regulates the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil;
• ✅ applied systematically, it increases the sorption capacity of light soils and strengthens the structure of heavy soils;
• ✅ if mineral fertilizers were used, compost will restore the biological balance of the soil – it will increase the amount of humus;
• ✅ causes the development of microflora that destroys pathogens, which improves plant immunity;

You don't have a composter – set one up in the fall!

Autumn fertilization with compost: remember to set the composter in a darkened place. Then the water will not evaporate too quickly from the compost.

This will ensure that no organic scraps will go to waste after autumn cleanup on the plot. Fallen leaves, cut grass, broken tree branches, leftover fruits or vegetables that have not been infected by diseases – you can reuse all of this. You will enrich the soil in your garden: naturally and without unnecessary costs.

Biocomposter – accelerates composting

Want your compost ready in less time? Use Biocomposter, which contains natural strains of bacteria responsible for decomposing organic matter and removing pathogens. This will not only give you fertilizer faster, but also make your plants more resistant to disease, and also reduce the unpleasant odor that can come out of your compost pile.

Check also:

How to make compost?

How to make compost from grass?

How to build a composter yourself?

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