Compost? Topsoil? Raised Bed Mix?
Which soil product do I need?
We get a lot of questions about which soil people should buy for their project. We’d like to help you understand the differences between our products so that you can make an informed decision on your purchase.
GMC Complete Compost
Our compost is the dark, rich, soil that forms the basis for all of the products we produce. It’s derived by enabling natural processes that break down leaves, manures, food scraps and other raw organic materials into humus-rich substances, full of life, and ideal for conditioning practically any soil for improved plant growth. In addition to being an important source for slow-release nutrients, our compost it chock-full of organic matter and millions of microorganisms and beneficial bacteria and fungi – the living matter plants need for optimal nutrient uptake. Slightly alkaline in nature, our compost is an ideal addition to Vermont’s acidic native soils either in your existing gardens or lawns.
If you’re looking to bring some life to degraded soils in your existing vegetable or flower gardens, or in your lawn, adding a layer of compost is the best option. A top-dressing of compost will integrate with the existing soil and bring your gardens and lawns to new heights! Compost may also be used to top off an existing Raised Bed garden.
| Current Soil Type | Result of Adding Compost | Will adding compost improve this soil? |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy soil | Adding compost to sandy soils will increase the organic matter of the soil and decrease nutrient and water loss. Improved water holding capacity and disease suppression. | YES! |
| Heavy Clay soil | Adding compost to clay soils increases the organic matter, breaking up the clay particles and creating a more friable and workable soil over time. | YES! |
| Decent Vermont topsoil | Increase in organic matter, nutrients, and microbial activity. Invigorates tired or depleted soils. Improved water holding capacity and disease suppression. | YES! |
All of our compost is fully mature, cured, and intentionally not sterilized (life is the key to good soil!). Unlike manures off the farm, our compost is safe to plant in directly and it won’t burn your plants’ roots. All of our Compost is screened to a minimum of 1/2”. GMC Complete Compost is available in bulk or in convenient 20- and 8-qt. bags.
Green Mountain Compost Soil Analysis 5-27-10
GMC Premium Topsoil
Our topsoil is a manufactured sandy loam, based in compost and built for multiple uses where you just need a great all-around soil. Though not as high in organic matter as our straight compost, our topsoil has a terrific compost base, which when combined with silt and mineral soils for structure, creates an ideal blend for nutrient delivery and increased workability. Unlike other available topsoils, our manufactured topsoil is still thriving with life and full of humus which will improve soil structure and strengthen the microbial communities necessary for healthy soils.
The topsoil is specifically formulated for building lawns, patching lawns, building beds, and filling depressions, though it can be used to mix into and improve a variety of soil types. All of our topsoil is screened to a minimum of 1/2”. GMC Premium Topsoil is available in bulk or in convenient 20 qt. bags.
GMC Raised Bed Mix
Our Raised Bed Mix is a unique soil blend designed to give you everything you need to get your raised bed gardens off to a great start. Whether you’re building raised beds for the first time, or you’re looking to top off an existing raised bed that’s settled over time, our Raised Bed Mix is the ideal soil for your needs. Based in a strong foundation of our Complete Compost, our Raised Bed Mix is carefully blended and lab tested with a mixture of sandy loam and organic-rich silt, and fortified with extra organic nutrients to ensure proper soil requirements for your contained environment.
Raised beds are great solutions for urban gardening where garden space isn’t always available and native soils may be contaminated with lead, heavy metals, or other problematic materials.
While the slow release nutrients and fortified nutrients in our Raised Bed Mix are great for getting your plants off to a healthy start, it’s important to remember that your plants are dependent on all of their soil needs from this built environment. For this reason, you may want to add an organic fertilizer to your raised bed for subsequent years of dependable performance.
Our Raised Bed Mix is screened to a minimum of 1/2” and is presently only available in bulk quantities.
