Garden soil and compost

OSU Extension offers science-based information to help gardeners and landowners build healthy soil and use compost effectively. We provide guidance on soil testing, amendments and composting methods to support plant health, reduce waste and improve garden productivity. 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

Am I introducing lead into my soil from old window frames in my cold frame?

Q: I’m using an old pair of windows to build a cold frame. Lately I’ve noticed that the paint on the window is starting to chip. Since I don’t know how old the windows are, I’m not sure if they have lead paint ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Can I eat volunteer vegetables from my compost?

Q: I maintain a fairly productive compost pile that I use to replenish my raised beds each year. This year, I have a large number of plants (mainly squash and tomatoes) that have come up in beds where this compost was ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Sheet mulching and lasagna composting with cardboard

Transform cardboard and compostables into healthy garden soil with lasagna composting—a simple, no-dig method to suppress weeds, conserve water and enrich your beds naturally.

Shannon Rauter, Len Sherp | Jul 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Latest News

Add organic matter to improve most garden soils

What to add, how to incorporate it, and simple cover-crop options.

Sep 25, 2025 | News story

Soldier fly larvae: Beneficial compost helpers

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

Kym Pokorny | Jul 1, 2025 | News story

Why soil pH matters — and how to manage it in your garden

The availability of key nutrients — including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — is influenced by pH.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 10, 2025 | 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

Soldier fly larvae: Beneficial compost helpers

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

Kym Pokorny | Jul 1, 2025 | News story

Compost tumbler suggestions?

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

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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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 | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Understanding soil health and biota for farms and gardens

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 Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | Apr 25, 2023 | News story

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Feb 21

All Things Seeds - Bend

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Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon - Bend

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Bend, OR

Feb 28

Free Compost workshop

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

Mar 7

Soil pH testing

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

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, Master gardener

Brooke Edmunds

Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

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

Janhvi Pandey

Extension Horticulture Assistant Professor of Practice

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Am I introducing lead into my soil from old window frames in my cold frame?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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