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.

View publication

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

Latest Resources

Testing strips for soil acidity?

Q: 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 ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

How do I test my soil?

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

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Walnut leaves: Safe for composting?

Q: 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?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Browse All Resources

Latest News

Let soil temperature guide you when planting vegetables

This year, however, paying attention to soil temperature is the best way to go for knowing when to plant vegetables. An inexpensive soil thermometer helps keep planting time in perspective.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 20, 2023 | News story

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

All News

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.

Learn more

Compost Resources

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

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 Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Composting with Worms

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 Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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

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.

Watch the Video

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 Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Acidifying Soil in Landscapes and Gardens East of the Cascades

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 Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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

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 Peer reviewed (Orange level)

More Soil Resources

Explore more resources

Berries and fruit

Flowers, shrubs and trees

Garden vegetables and herbs

Gardening techniques

Plant diseases

Residential water/wells

Upcoming Events

Jun 20

Incorporating Permaculture into Landscape Design

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Eugene, OR

Jul 13

Open House: Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Corvallis, OR

Aug 19

Composting with Worms

10:00 am - 11:30 am Independence, OR

Sep 2

Soil pH Testing

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

Meet Our Experts

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

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question

Testing strips for soil acidity?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions