When should you spread the compost?

autumn

In autumn the leaves fall from the trees. They form a natural protective layer for the soil, which is full of dead plant parts. The material rots over the winter and in spring provides the newly germinating plants with a nutrient-rich substrate. You can use this cycle as a guide when spreading compost.

advantages

Over the winter, the compost freezes on the earth, killing pararists and pathogens. The frost breaks up coarser substrate components and the compost is fine and crumbly in spring. This soil is directly available to the plants for the coming vegetation period.

disadvantage

Rainfall in autumn and winter nutrients can wash out of the compost substrate when the soil can no longer absorb the water. The substances are deposited in depressions and oversaturate the soil. In autumn, many seeds of competitive plants try to germinate. Plants near the bed continue to grow in winter too. These seedlings and plants use the nutrients and minimize the nutrient content of the soil.

spring

Spring is a suboptimal time to spread compost. Despite the advantages, the negative aspects outweigh the disadvantages and you will have to work the soil prior to application to get an ideal substrate.

advantages

The concentration of nutrients is highest when applied in spring, as they have not been washed out by rainfall or used up by other plants. Direct incorporation in spring ensures that the area is evenly supplied with compost.

disadvantage

The consistency of the fresh earth is firmer. Compost soil from thermal composters can contain many pathogens and pests that have overwintered in the warm environment. These unwanted organisms are applied to the bed with the substrate. If you want to sow early vegetables, you need to spread the compost early in the year. This increases the risk of nutrient leaching when it rains heavily.

Here's how you can improve the substrate:

• Move compost in dry weather
• Sieve and loosen compost soil
• Let sifted substrate dry in a barrel