Compost is a mixture of decayed organic matter that is used for fertilizing and conditioning soil. Given enough time, all biodegradable material will oxidize to compost, but the best raw materials for composting are fruit, vegetables, garden waste, and animal manure. We use only horse manure to make our organic compost. We carefully monitor the composting process to ensure that the mixture reaches and sustains a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three days, which kills all harmful pathogens, such as salmonella and E. coli.

Our organic compost is processed according to the high standards set by the Organic Materials Review Institute. It is OMRI Listed and thus is suitable for use on organic crops. This process ensures that our compost contains no viable weed or seed residues, making it an excellent nutrient-rich soil for growing only the plants you want to grow.

Our compost also carries the esteemed Seal of Testing Assurance (STA), awarded by the US Composting Council. This certifies that our compost goes through regular testing from a USCC approved laboratory to ensure that the physical, chemical, and biological condition of our compost is aligned with USCC standards. The STA means our compost is suitable for public works projects (such as CALTRANS) as well as for individual and commercial growers.

Why Use Compost?

Since the beginning of life on earth, compost has been an essential part of creating and sustaining life. As living things grow and die, they leave behind organic matter that contains nutrients. These are broken down chemically by soil-dwelling microorganisms (bacteria, actinomycetes, protozoa, and fungi) and physically by insects, spiders, snails, slugs, and worms. From start to finish, the process is a harmonious cycle, constantly generating the potential for new, healthy plant and animal life by freeing nutrients that have been “trapped” in organic compounds.

Traditional farming and gardening, and now what is considered “organic” growing, are based on maintaining a healthy balance of the micro- and macro-organisms in the growing area. Fundamental to this is ensuring that there is the correct availability of water and nutrients for the plants and living organisms that are beneficial. Compost helps to provide this by:
  • Releasing nutrients from decomposing plants
  • Improving the soil structure, thus enabling soil to retain nutrients, moisture, and air for healthy plants
  • Controlling erosion through increased moisture-holding capacity of the soil
  • Balancing the pH of the soil which provides an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria, desired plants, and helpful decomposers such as earthworms
  • Stopping nutrient loss through leaching
  • Acting as a buffer against toxins in the soil
  • Controlling weeds by promoting the growth of beneficial plants
Science has confirmed what organic growers have concluded: plants grown in a completely organic system, using generous amounts of compost, are less likely to be attacked and damaged by insect populations.

Adding our high quality compost to your soil will make your plants healthier and better able to withstand environmental hardships such as drought, disease, and insect predators. And for an extra beneficial organic growing medium, mix our worm castings with our compost in a one-to-four ratio.

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