Home made compost

[derrynoose]

Over the past few years I have dumped grass cuttings and leaves in a pile at the bottom of my garden. I didn't touch the pile at all until earlier this summer when I found that I had a large pile of dark loamy compost. Will this compost sustain growth on its own, eg a raised vegetable bed or potting out second stage hardwood cuttings, or should I be mixing in additives before use? Thanks.

[Clanad]

I'd mix it with other top soil only because fresh compost is high in nitrogen and other nutrients that can cause subsequently planted vegetables or flowers to develop only "greenery" rather than the intended fruit, vegetables or flowers... somewhat like over-fertilizing. The mixture should probably be in the range of 50/50...

[derrynoose]

Thanks Clanad. Does the nitrogen content make the compost in its pure state suitable as lawn dressing?

[Clanad]

Oh, sure... compost is great stuff, used somewhat sparingly. One thing you can do to make it easier to apply to larger square footage is place about a gallon of fresh compost in a five gallon bucket and almost fill the busket with warmish water. Let it soak overnight and then remove the compost. The "tea" is great stuff for lawns. You can, of course, just spread the compost on the lawn, but to get the full good effect on should rake it or other wise work it into the top soil...

Best of luckc