Fill a raised bed with about one-third screened topsoil, one-third finished compost, and one-third aeration. Avoid fresh manure, uncomposted material, and cocoa hulls if you have dogs.
Tag: Compost
soil-compost
Oct 28, 2026
What to Add to Clay Soil (and How Long It Takes to Improve)
The best thing to add to clay soil is organic matter such as compost, added yearly; gypsum only helps sodic clay, and fine sand makes clay worse. Expect the top layer to improve in one season and real structure in two to three years.
soil-compost
Oct 25, 2026
How to Start a Compost Pile That Does Not Smell
A smelly compost pile almost always means too many greens and not enough air. Learn the 3:1 brown-to-green ratio, bin setup, and weekly routine that keep a backyard pile odor-free.