Garden Soil and Compost

How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes

Compost is a soil amendment consisting of partially broken-down organic material. Use compost to improve soil for vegetable gardens, landscape areas and lawns. Learn how to apply the correct amount of compost and how to avoid common compost mistakes.

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Photo Credit: Markus Spiske - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Testing strips for soil acidity?

P: I'm working on getting my blueberry patch acidified properly, and I've noticed that the pH keeps drifting upwards (I suspect the buffered municipal water I irrigate with is the cause). At any rate, I'm looking for ...

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How do I test my soil?

P: Hi, I was curious if you had any recommendations on where I can get my soil tested in the Portland metro area. Thanks!

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Walnut leaves: Safe for composting?

P: We have a large walnut tree and would like to compost the leaves for our vegetable garden. I have read conflicting reports about the ability of composting to break down the toxin juglone. Is it safe to compost these leaves?

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Latest News

Harvesting peat moss contributes to climate change, Oregon State scientist says

Decomposition releases carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to a warming climate.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 9, 2022 | News story

Don’t worry, maggots help break down compost pile

Soldier fly larvae are voracious consumers of high nitrogen materials such as kitchen food scraps and manures, as they decay.

Kym Pokorny | Aug 19, 2022 | News story

Like diamonds, clay soils are forever

Bark, manure, leaf mold and compost are among the organic amendments commonly used to improve clay soil.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 5, 2022 | News story

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Become a Master Gardener!

The Master Gardener™ program educates Oregonians about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. This program also facilitates the training of a highly educated group of volunteers, who extend sustainable gardening information to their communities through education and outreach programs.

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Compost Resources

Herbicide-Contaminated Compost and Soil Mix: What You Should Know — and What You Can Do About It (in English)

Compost and soil mix products sometimes contain herbicide residue. This residue can damage certain vegetable, fruit and flower crops. The residue likely comes from contaminated hay, grass clippings or manure. Watch for stunted growth...

Weston Miller | Feb 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog

Composting with Worms (in English)

This publication provides step-by-step methods for successful worm composting at home. It includes a concise explanation of specific worm physiology, kinds of bins to use and how to set them up, what to feed the worms, how to...

Sam Angima | Oct 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Adding compost improves soil’s texture and adds nutrients

The best soil amendment is partially broken-down organic material, better known as compost

Kym Pokorny | Mar 13, 2021 | News story

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How to Collect a Soil Sample for Testing

In this video, Dennis Brown, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Portland Metro Area, demonstrates how to take a soil sample in the garden. Video courtesy of Dennis Brown and Dave Meeker.

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Photo Credit: Dylan de Jonge - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Soil Resources

How do I test my garden soil?

Learn why you should test your garden soil and the different kinds of tests to ask for. Resources include instructions for how to collect a soil sample for testing and a short video demonstration.

Brooke Edmunds | Apr 2021 | Article

Acidifying Soil in Landscapes and Gardens East of the Cascades (in English)

Explains the importance of soil pH to plant growth, shows symptoms of plants growing in soil with high pH, and discusses how to modify soil to help maples, rhododendrons, blueberries, fruit trees, and other acid-loving plants thrive in your garden and landscape.

Sep 2006 | OSU Extension Catalog

Acidifying Soil for Crop Production West of the Cascade Mountains (Western Oregon and Washington) (in English)

Explains the relationship between high soil pH and nutrient deficiencies in blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, and other ornamental crops. Color photos illustrate symptoms of pH-induced nutrient deficiency. Presents step-by-step instructions...

Feb 2004 | OSU Extension Catalog

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Upcoming Events

Apr 1

Soil pH testing

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Eugene, OR

Apr 15

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR

Apr 22

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR

Apr 29

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Florence, OR

Meet Our Experts

Weston Miller

(Former)

Contact me for gardening questions in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties in Oregon.

Erica Chernoh

Horticulture Assistant Professor of Practice, Commercial and Community Horticulture

Brooke Edmunds

Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

Contact me with gardening questions from Marion or Polk counties

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Testing strips for soil acidity?

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