Compost: Uses, Cost, and Buying Guide
Also known as: Mushroom Compost, Garden Compost, Organic Compost
What Is Compost?
Decomposed organic matter used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention. Quality compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. It adds beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that support healthy plant growth and improve poor soils.
Great For Landscaping with Gravel
Is Compost Right for You?
Best for
- ✓ Soil amendment
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Lawn top-dressing
- ✓ Raised bed mix
Not recommended for
- ✗ Structural fill
- ✗ Drainage applications
- ✗ Direct planting (too rich — must be mixed)
Common Uses
- ✓ Soil amendment
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Lawn top-dressing
- ✓ Raised beds
- ✓ Tree and shrub planting
- ✓ Seed starting mix
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Dramatically improves soil structure and fertility | − Quality and composition vary widely between sources |
| + Increases water retention in sandy soils | − Can be odorous when fresh |
| + Improves drainage in clay soils | − May contain weed seeds if not fully composted |
| + Adds beneficial microorganisms | − Too rich for direct planting — must be mixed with soil |
| + Reduces need for chemical fertilizers | − Settles significantly after application |
Compost Sizes & Colors
Fine, crumbly texture when fully decomposed. Dark brown to black color. Should smell earthy, not sour or ammonia-like. Screened compost has been filtered to remove large uncomposted pieces. Mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom farming and is particularly nutrient-rich.
Compost Cost
| Measure | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per ton | $15 – $40 |
| Per cubic yard | $20 – $50 |
Sold by the cubic yard at landscape supply yards. Mix 2-4 inches of compost into the top 6-8 inches of existing soil for best results. Many municipalities offer free or low-cost compost from yard waste programs.
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size. Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas.
How Much Compost Do I Need?
Enter your project dimensions to estimate the right amount.
Please enter your dimensions above to calculate.
Compost vs Alternatives
Compost vs Pea Gravel
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Compost vs Crushed Limestone
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Compost vs Topsoil
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Brown Shredded Mulch vs Compost
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Black Shredded Mulch vs Compost
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Bluestone vs Compost
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Compost by City
Compost Crushed limestone is commonly used and readily available in the following cities:
Find Compost Near You
6839 Piccadilly Dr, Houston, Texas
7555 FM-762, Richmond, Texas
491 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, New Jersey
26072 Merit Cir, Laguna Hills, California
W3998 US Highway 45, Eden, Wisconsin
100 N Washington St, Boston, Massachusetts
2800 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
72 Miller Rd, Colchester, Connecticut
3245 University Ave, San Diego, California
7101 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2860 I-70 Business Loop, Grand Junction, Colorado
1701 N Price Rd, Pampa, Texas
6210 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee
6880 S Yosemite Ct, Centennial, Colorado
12820 State Highway 191, Midland, Texas
999 Narragansett Trl, Buxton, Maine
1990 E Ash St, Globe, Arizona
364 E Main St, Middletown, Delaware
277 Whites Path, Yarmouth, Massachusetts
10810 Avenue 184, Tulare, California
7819 Crane Rd, Oakdale, California
13870 Taylor Hollow Rd, Collins, New York
4812 S Old US-23, Brighton, Michigan
504 W Nesbitt Ave, Plumerville, Arkansas
1014 Center St, Ludlow, Massachusetts
9660 Legler Rd, Lenexa, Kansas
Watkins Glen, New York
5900 E Lerdo Hwy, Shafter, California
1336 Old Paris Hwy, Arthur City, Texas
2663 Yore Ave, Sodus Township, Michigan
817 IL Route 38, Elburn, Illinois
468 Route 13 S, Milford, New Hampshire
14852 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, Maryland
8911 Guide Meridian Rd, Lynden, Washington
185 Reservoir Dr, Stanardsville, Virginia
800 Salem St, Wilmington, Massachusetts
Mechanicsburg, Ohio
120 N Church St, Salisbury, North Carolina
2550 Precinct Line Rd, Hurst, Texas
705 Clemens Mill Road, Philomath, Oregon
Township Road 45, Bellefontaine, Ohio
4100 S Lea Ave, Roswell, New Mexico
1783 E 1500 Rd, Lawrence, Kansas
338 Courtland Ave, Stamford, Connecticut
2040 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
5954 Wilkinson Dr, Prescott, Arizona
500 Grantham Ave, West Monroe, Louisiana
140 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach, California
7101 Dorsey Run Rd, Elkridge, Maryland
Sprowel Creek Rd, Garberville, California
976 Rock Creek Rd, Pomona, Kansas
7298 Charles Page Blvd, Tulsa, Oklahoma
528 Boylston St, Newton, Massachusetts
437 E Via Puente Lindo, Sahuarita, Arizona
27500 SW Garland Rd, Sherwood, Oregon
4101 County Road 222, Durango, Colorado
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana
6245 State St, Saginaw, Michigan
66 Main St, Millis, Massachusetts
5570 Highway 95 S, Greenback, Tennessee
5828 Arndt Ln, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
905 Church Ave, Wabasha, Minnesota
39379 SD Highway 46, Wagner, South Dakota
626 N Main St, Templeton, California
533 Rochester Rd, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
141 Ansley Dr NE, Thomson, Georgia