What is the Difference between Compost and Soil?

Spring is only a few months away, which means it is time to start planning your springtime planting. Have you ever wondered about the differences between compost and soil? How each of these materials can be utilized in your commercial and residential landscaping? Continue reading to learn more about these two materials:

Compost

Technically speaking, compost is an organic plant and animal matter that has decomposed. Compost is not a replacement for topsoil; instead, it improves soil quality by tilling it into the soil. It is rich in nutrients, and it can also make nutrients that are in the soil more easily available to plants.

Soil

In the landscaping world, soil tends to be a loose term referring to dirt. In the landscaping realm, there are two main types of soil you will hear about: topsoil and garden soil.

Topsoil

Basically, topsoil is used for putting on top of garden soil. Topsoil contains a calculated mixture of silt, clay, and sand and has a wealth of nutrients that your plants require to grow and survive.

Garden Soil

Healthy soil is required for growing healthy plants. This is when the garden soil comes into play. Prior to planting, garden soil and existing soil are turned in order to increase soil quality. Garden soil is not much different from the existing soil in your garden. When you buy garden soil, you will want to be sure the materials will mix well with your existing garden. You also want to be sure that these materials are compatible with whatever you are attempting to grow.

To learn more about compost and soil, such as garden soil and topsoil, give us a call or stop on in. Our specialists will be happy to assist you.