Horticulture & Specialty Crops
Compost Use in Horticulture Guide
A guide for using compost in horticulture. Growers follow the steps to choose, test, apply, and record compost so crops benefit and risks are managed.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideHorticulture & Specialty CropsFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Know your compost source
- Ask for test results
- Check maturity before use
- Pick the crop and bed
- Match rate to soil test advice
- Apply and incorporate
- Wait the required time before harvest if rules apply
- Record what you applied
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and FDA.
For more in this area, see the crop planting calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Farm Water Use Report Finds Cows Drinking With Suspicious Enthusiasm, and farming farm stories.