Compost FAQs

What is the difference between fresh manure, oil-based chemical fertilizers and Classic Compost?

Classic Compost uses only plant matter except for those products specified that are mixed with animal manure. We produce what provides the best nutrient content for plants, whether vegetables or flowers, grass or shrubs. Our compost is aerobically produced to destroy weed seeds and possible manure pathogens.

Our compost and top dressing products are comparable in cost to other organic fertilizers. It costs more than inorganic fertilizers but saves money on long-term maintenance costs — there is no need to power rake or aerate, you’ll have fewer weeds, and you won’t need to fertilize or water as much.

The addition of compost in the fall allows the worms and microbes to go to work all winter producing a fertile environment for your plants in the spring. It is still beneficial any time of year however, for example in the hot summer to reduce dry spots. You only need compost topdressing once a year.

Yes, we believe what goes in, comes out. At Classic Compost there are no dirty secrets to what goes into our product! We know exactly what inputs are going in and they are all local, not from Vancouver or elsewhere. A good quality compost has an appealing earthy smell, or no smell at all. Some compost, which is fine for trees and shrubs, has lower nutrient value. At Classic Compost we strive to provide the best quality product tailored for every need. There’s nothing more satisfying than growing your own produce while controlling what’s going into your food.

We recommend a 1-2 in. layer of application, whether mulching or soil amendment. This will add a healthy supply of nutrients that will feed the teeming biological world in your soil! With lawns we use a .25 inch application – 1 yard compost will cover 1000 sq. ft.