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Garden soil and compost

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Description:

Learn what the latest research tells us about common compost or soil questions and how to put that knowledge into practice in your garden.

How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes

By Weston Miller and Jeremiah Mann

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

What does aeration do to compost tea?

P: I make compost tea in a brewer that I bought in Eugene. I use worm castings, and I wonder what aeration does to the tea. The brewer activator's ingredients include “trace metals." Why might those be in the activator? Also, does the vermicomposting process increase plant nutrients?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Can I use coffee grounds for mulch without attracting bears or cougars?

P: I'd like to use my organic light roast coffee grounds to mulch my acid loving landscape plants, but I have read that bears love coffee grounds. We have deer, bears and cougars where I live. Is this known to be true or am I safe to use the grounds without baiting bears or other critters?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

How to take a soil sample 101 (in English)

Come along with Logan and learn how to take soil samples from your garden or field beds.

Logan Bennett | Jan 2025 | Video

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Latest News

Rhododendrons and azaleas need a strong acidic soil

The most effective way to correct an iron deficiency for these plants is to acidify the soil.

Apr 22, 2025 | News story

Clueless about compost? Here are timely tips

Use the 'one-third' system for easy composting

Kym Pokorny | Nov 4, 2024 | News story

Add organic matter to improve garden soils

Good organic amendments for garden soils include wood by-products such as sawdust and bark mulch, rotted manure, grass or wheat straw and compost.

Feb 27, 2024 | 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

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

Compost tumbler suggestions?

P: Looking to buy one but would like your opinion for easiest use and quality if you have a preference.

R: View answer | View all featured questions

More Compost Resources

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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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 | OSU Extension Catalog

Understanding Soil Health and Biota for Farm and Garden

Like sunlight, water and air, soils are the foundation of life on Earth. Learn how soils link plants, the atmosphere, agriculture, food security, health, the economy and the environment.

Shikha Singh, Linda Brewer, Scott Lukas | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Clay soil challenges and solutions for Oregon gardeners

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

Kym Pokorny | Feb 5, 2022 | News story

More Soil Resources

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Upcoming Events

Jul 19

2025 High Desert Garden Tour

8:30 am - 3:30 pm Bend, OR
Sep 6

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR
Sep 13

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR
Oct 4

Free Compost Workshop

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR
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Meet Our Experts

Samikshya Budhathoki
Master Gardener and Small Farms Program Coordinator

Contact me with agriculture and Master Gardener questions in Tillamook County.

Erica Chernoh
Horticulture Assistant Professor of Practice, Commercial and Community Horticulture
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Brooke Edmunds
Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

Contact me about the Master Gardener Program or gardening questions from Marion or Polk counties

Shannon Rauter
Master Gardener and Small Farms Coordinator

Contact me with agriculture and Master Gardener questions in Clatsop County.

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What does aeration do to compost tea?

P: I make compost tea in a brewer that I bought in Eugene. I use worm castings, and I wonder what aeration does to the tea. The brewer activator's ingredients include “trace metals." Why might those be in the activator? Also, does the vermicomposting process increase plant nutrients?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions